The export value this year is also projected to decrease by 4.2 per cent to US$181 million [Bt7.05 billion].

A tapioca-manufacturing source said the government's pledging project for tapioca had distorted the market price. The source said the European market had decreased Thai tapioca imports, because of its high export price. - The Nation.

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Gas freeze stays

The Commerce Ministry will maintain its freeze on the price of cooking gas, so as to ease the burden on consumers during these tough economic times.

Cooking-gas companies have asked the ministry to allow a price increase of Bt5 to Bt7 per unit, saying their costs have increased with the oil price. Production costs have increased 20 per cent per kilogram, whereas traders' costs have increased 30 per cent per kilo.

However, Internal Trade Department director-general Siripol Yodmuangcharoen said yesterday the ministry would not allow a cooking-gas price increase, because the costs of cooking gas were still lower than the profits. - The Nation.

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Block prices up

Quality Construction Products Plc, a producer and distributor of autoclaved aerated concrete blocks, raised its prices 8 per cent this month, following increases in production and energy costs last year.

Managing director Payont Sakdejyont said production and energy costs climbed 10 per cent on average. The firm has thus had to raise its prices to maintain profits before interest and tax payments amounting to 27 per cent of its total sales this year. He said the company expected sales of Bt1.2 billion this year, up 30 per cent from last year.

The company currently has a production capacity of 9 million square metres, but that will increase to 12 million this year, following completion of its Bt800million fourth plant.

- The Nation.