• 
• 

 He said after the ceremony to mark the ministry's 5th anniversary on Wednesday that the price flotation of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), better known as cooking gas, should not put much burden on consumer spending as well as inflation.

 "Inflation is mainly driven by higher oil prices. However, after the Oil Fund's debts are paid off, the Oil Fund will reduce the required contribution from oil retailers by 50 satang per litre. This should reduce household expenses," Piyasvasti said. 

 Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said on the same day that he would discuss with the Energy Ministry on the price floatation issue.

 He said the floatation would raise cooking gas price by Bt2-Bt3 per kg.

 At present, the gas is subsidised by the government at Bt1.60  per kg.

 The retail cooking gas price is at Bt265 per 15-kg container.

 Krirk-krai said that the ministry is studying impacts on consumers from the price rise. The ministry will use the information to calculate the impacts of rising cooking gas price on household, retail food sector, as well as taxi costs.

- The Nation