BANGKOK, 28 February 2014 The Election Commission (EC) has advised the government to extend its diesel excise tax reduction for one month at a time, saying a longer tax cut might create unfairness in the general election.
Deputy spokesman of the PM’s Office Chalitrat Chantharubeksa said the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday agreed to prolong the diesel oil excise tax decrease of 0.005 baht/liter for one month, from 1 February – 28 February 2014, as requested by the Ministry of Finance.
The government had earlier intended to lengthen the tax cut for three months but later decided to shorten the extension to one month after the EC showed signs of disapproval.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the diesel excise tax cut will help stabilize diesel price, lower the cost of living and benefit to the country’s economic growth.
