June 24, 2008
Bangkok - The energy ministry plans to float the LPG price. Taxi drivers called on the government to maintain the price, for the fuel cost could be higher than the taxi rent.
It is possible that the LPG price will rise two more baht per litre.
Taxi drivers are afraid the fare hike cannot offset the decreasing number of passengers.
Taxi drivers are set to raise their fares, the first such hike for the capital's cabbies since 1992.
The Ministry of Transport has given permission for taxi drivers to raise their fares by 12 percent.
The increase will take effect after the order is published in the royal gazette, which will likely happen next week.
The government was urged to control the issuing of driving licences and extend the number of NGV petrol stations to serve the demand.
The LPG will be sold at two different prices based on the transport and industrial sector, household sector in July.
The LPG price currently remains at 11.05 baht per litre. The latest price rise of 0.30-0.50 baht per litre took place early this year.