Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said the Energy Ministry would probably postpone a planned increase in the price of compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles until measures are in place to cushion the impact on the transport sector.
ACM Prajin said on Thursday he had told transport permanent secretary Soithip Trisuddhi to discuss the issue with energy permanent secretary Areepong Bhoocha-oom.
They should agree on measures to cushion the impact on bus, taxi and truck operators of a rise in the CNG price.
"The increase in the CNG price to reflect its real cost will be reviewed, compensation measures will be considered and conclusions will be reached soon," ACM Prajin said.
The transport minister said he expected the planned gradual pump price increase would be suspended until agreement was reached.
The Energy Ministry had the authority to do that without having to seek consent from the cabinet.
The transport minister also said that he had yet to consider appropriate increments in fares and cargo transport charges.
On Wednesday, economic ministers agreed that the Transport Ministry and the Energy Ministry should quickly agree on measures to offset the impact of CNG price rises, ACM Prajin said.