The caretaker cabinet has extended the term of the diesel excise tax reduction to 0.005 baht per litre for another month, until Feb 28, deputy government spokesman Chalitrat Chantarubeksa said on Tuesday.
The tax reduction was set to end on Jan 31. It keeps the price of diesel below 30 baht a litre for Bangkok and nearby provinces.
Mr Chalitrat said the cabinet last Tuesday, Jan 21, agreed to extend the term of the diesel excise tax exemption for three months, until April 30.
However, the Election Commission (EC), which must approve any policy that might affect a fair election following the House dissolution, suggested the tax reduction be made on a monthly basis, he said.
The cabinet abided by the EC’s suggestion, extending the term of the diesel excise tax exemption by only one month, he said.