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Household costs up sharply as fuel climbs; SME owners now face extra costs of about 3,937 baht a month in the central region
77 Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026
Household costs up sharply as fuel climbs; SME owners now face extra costs of about 3,937 baht a month in the central region
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Household costs up sharply as fuel climbs; SME owners now face extra costs of about 3,937 baht a month in the central region Prachachat · Sep 22, 2026

Ratul University's new Household Cost of Living Index (CLI) shows household costs rose from Q2 2026, driven mainly by domestic fuel prices. Index 114.4 in Q2, 110.9 in Q3 (after the Thai Chuay Thai Plus scheme ended 30 Sep 2026), and forecast 111.8 in Q4. Transport accounts for 49.3% of the increase. Bangkok SMEs face about 4,590 baht/month extra cost; central-region SMEs about 3,937 baht/month; southern SMEs about 3,972 baht/month. Expect Q4 cost pressure to rise again as oil prices climb; review fuel-heavy delivery routes, pricing and staff cost planning.
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