The Department of Internal Trade's subcommittee is only considering raising rice safety stock by 30% and palm oil stock by 20% because of El Niño; no decision yet. Thailand exported 3.28 million tonnes of rice in H1 2026, down 18.8% year-on-year. The department says soap, toothpaste and instant coffee makers have no plans to raise prices, and soap and cooking oil are under price control. Watch for promotions being dropped while shelf prices stay the same, which can make products look more expensive to shoppers. Plan for possible El Niño pressure on rice and palm oil costs later in the year, but no immediate price change is confirmed.