ไทย
The Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce is concerned that the oil crisis is pressuring the grassroots economy, causing business costs to rise by 10-20%, while farmers risk delays in delivering their produce, directly impacting their income.
Mr. Kanpong Surawanvichit, President of the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the volatile energy prices and tightening oil supply have affected businesses and the grassroots economy in the area, impacting production costs, transportation, and the continuously rising prices of consumer goods. Many businesses across various sectors are currently facing an average 10–20% increase in energy costs, particularly industries related to plastics and packaging, where prices have already risen by approximately 5–15%. This affects the prices of goods throughout the production chain and is likely to have a broader impact on the cost of living for the general public.
The current energy situation poses a significant pressure on the regional economy. Without measures to manage oil supplies effectively and maintain price stability, the cost of goods could rise across the board, directly impacting the public. Furthermore, it was proposed that the government urgently establish a strategic oil reserve plan of at least 60-90 days, coupled with measures to stabilize energy prices during crises, in order to build confidence in the business sector and help maintain economic stability in the region.
Mr. Jin Chairat, Vice President of the Udon Thani Chamber of Commerce, revealed that the insufficient supply of fuel is clearly affecting the transportation of agricultural products, especially the province’s main agricultural products such as rice, cassava, and sugarcane, which require a continuous transportation system to reach their destination markets. Currently, some farmers, producers, and transportation businesses are experiencing fuel shortages for transporting their produce, resulting in transportation costs increasing by at least 15%. There is also a risk of produce being delayed or left unsold, directly impacting farmers’ income. They also proposed measures to assist the agricultural sector, such as allocating fuel for agricultural product transportation, supporting transportation costs, and maintaining energy price stability, in order to prevent the problem from spreading and affecting purchasing power and the economy in other areas. It is believed that rapid and systematic management of the energy crisis will be crucial in supporting the grassroots economy, minimizing the impact on businesses and farmers, and creating stability for the provincial economy in the long term.
Read more at: https://www.prachachat.net/local-economy/news-1978785