On Thursday morning, ethanol and biodiesel stocks experienced significant gains, bucking the trend of the broader SET Index, which dropped by 0.94%.
- Thai Agro Energy (TAE) jumped 15.32% to THB 1.28, up THB 0.17.
- Ubon Bio Ethanol (UBE) surged 12.33% to THB 0.82, up THB 0.09.
- Bio Green Energy Tech (BIOTEC) rose 7.14% to THB 0.30, up THB 0.02.
- Vichitbhan Palmoil (VPO) gained 10.29% to THB 0.75, up THB 0.07.
- AI Energy (AIE) added 5.13% to THB 1.23, up THB 0.06.
- Asian Palm Oil (APO) increased 4.46% to THB 2.34, up THB 0.10.
- Petchsrivichai Enterprise (PCE) climbed 3.13% to THB 2.64, up THB 0.08.
- Smothong Group (SMO) gained 2.49% to THB 4.94, up THB 0.12.
Yesterday, the Fuel Fund Executive Committee approved a reduction in the diesel and gasoline price subsidy rate, resulting in a retail fuel price increase of THB 6 per litre effective tomorrow, March 26, 2026.
This move comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, which have pushed oil prices higher. Singapore diesel prices spiked sharply from US$198.20 per barrel on March 23, 2026, to US$242.91 per barrel on the same day. The mounting cost of price subsidies has strained the Fuel Fund, which is currently shouldering a massive daily burden of approximately THB 2.59 billion or THB 80.34 billion per month. This urgent adjustment aims to maintain the fund’s liquidity and safeguard long-term price stability amid global oil market volatility.
Meanwhile, Krungsri Securities reported that sugar prices rose +3.3% week-on-week due to sugar mills shifting production to ethanol, which reduced sugar supply in the market. Crude palm oil prices also increased +1.7% weekly from stronger demand for palm-based biodiesel.
Additionally, Bangchak Corporation (BCP) announced the launch of B20 biodiesel, catering to logistics, fisheries, and industrial sectors seeking both performance and optimized energy cost management. Diesel B20, containing 20% biodiesel from local palm oil, is suitable for large diesel engines in trucks, buses, and machinery, supporting domestic energy use, reducing import reliance, and aligning with Thailand’s energy security and sustainability goals.
