Huge loan needed to finance fuel subsidiesA truck is refilled with diesel at a service station in Samut Prakan. (Photo: Somchai Poomlard)Thailand's Oil Fuel Fund is seeking a loan of up to 150 billion baht to stabilise its finances and continue subsidising domestic fuel prices as global diesel costs soar, according to Prasert Sinsukprasert, energy permanent secretary. The fund, which recorded a loss of 48.2 billion baht as of April 2, well above the legal limit of 40 billion baht, has been forced to scale back diesel subsidies. Mr Prasert said the proposed loan would allow the fund to continue subsidising fuel for two more months. He noted global diesel prices have been extremely volatile, surpassing levels registered during the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war.

Source: Bangkok Post April 03, 2026 23:22 UTC