Gov’t monitoring consumer products, keen to turn ‘Blue Flag’ retailers into discount stores

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Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said his ministry and responsible agencies are closely monitoring the impact of higher oil and gas prices.
Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said his ministry and responsible agencies are closely monitoring the impact of higher oil and gas prices.

The Ministry of Commerce is keeping a close watch on consumer products amid fuel price rises, expressing a keen interest in turning stores enrolled in the Blue Flag campaign into discount shops.

Amid fears that the recent gas and oil price increases will affect the prices of consumer goods, Commerce Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said his ministry and responsible agencies are closely monitoring the impact and are now analyzing the cost structure of the production sector.

Easing public worries, he said the ministry has measures and plans in place to make sure consumers don’t shoulder all the burden.

As of now, no manufacturers or producers have sought the Department of Internal Trade’s permission to increase the prices of their products.

In the meantime, he said the ministry will transform 40,000 retailers participating in the Blue Flag project into discount stores. In doing so, the ministry has agreed to terms with Unilever Thai Trading Limited to manufacture low-cost products for Blue Flag stores.

In addition, the ministry will work with logistics companies to make sure low-priced goods reach Blue Flag stores in remote communities.