From today, petrol prices are rising by 40 satang per litre as local oil-retailers were adversely affected by the low marketing margin of 50 satang per litre before the increase.

Chaiwat Chooritti, PTT senior executive vice president, attributed the increase to rising crude-oil prices after Iran, an Opec member, insisted on continuing its uranium-enrichment project, which is almost certain to result in stricter sanctions imposed by the United Nations.

Moreover, the United States reported its strategic petrol and diesel reserves had fallen due to the cold weather.

Yesterday the price of finished petrol hit US$68.87 (Bt2,460) per barrel, a one-day increase of $4.23.

Airport move

Thai Airways International says it will spend Bt10 million on moving its domestic operations from Suvarnabhumi Airport back to Don Muang.

Chokchai Panyawong, executive vice president, said yesterday that the airline was coordinating the return with Airports of Thailand and the traffic police.

About 20 per cent of its ground-service equipment, including ramps, stair vehicles and power units, will need to be trucked over.

"The company hopes to finish the transfer by March 20 and start service on March 25," he said.

THAI operates 150-200 flights a day at Suvarnabhumi, of which 30 domestic runs will be shifted to the old airfield.

It will operate a passenger terminal at the former domestic terminal building. The airline also plans to upgrade its IT system and X-ray machines at Don Muang.