Commerce Minister Jurin Laksanawisit has pledged to tackle high palm oil prices this week after cooking oil prices jumped to nearly 70 baht per bottle from 56-60 baht at the end of last year.
Speaking after chairing a war room yesterday to supervise ongoing increases in essential consumer goods prices including cooking palm oil, Mr Jurin said the sharp rise in cooking oil prices stems largely from fresh palm nuts and crude palm oil prices.
Prices of fresh palm nuts have increased over the past five years from only 2 baht per kilogramme in 2017 to 10-11 baht now.
Mr Jurin acknowledged higher prices benefit farmers, but also affect consumers.
“I’ve already ordered the Internal Trade Department and the war rooms to find the best solutions and ensure a balance for all stakeholders, be it farmers, manufacturers or consumers,” he said.
“Nonetheless, the government is…
