Cabinet approves cheaper fuel prices for 3 months

The cabinet has approved a three-month reduction in excise taxes on E20 gasohol and B20 biodiesel to help farmers, transport operators, and consumers while boosting demand for agricultural products used in biofuel production, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.

Under the measure, the excise tax on E20 gasohol will be reduced by 5.60 baht per litre, while the tax on B20 biodiesel will be cut by 5.50 baht per litre. The government will review the situation after the initial three-month period before deciding whether further action is needed.

Mr Anutin said the Energy Ministry has already finalised the tax adjustments and would hold discussions later in the day to determine retail pricing at fuel stations.

Meanwhile, the prime minister officially launched the government's "People's Solar" initiative, a nationwide rooftop solar programme to expand access to clean energy while reducing household electricity costs.

The project targets one million households across the country and will provide support of 50,000 baht per household to install rooftop solar systems. The government expects the initiative to help households generate their own electricity, lower energy expenses, and contribute to the country's transition toward cleaner energy sources.

A key feature of the programme will allow participants to sell surplus electricity back to the national grid, creating an additional source of income for families.

Government estimates suggest the project could reduce electricity expenses by more than 24.5 billion baht annually, with the savings expected to circulate through local economies, support employment, and create new economic opportunities in communities nationwide.

Speaking at the launch ceremony at Government House, Mr Anutin said the initiative would transform rooftops into small-scale power stations, helping households turn electricity bills into savings while increasing public participation in national energy production.

More renewable energy use will promote energy security, he added.