Fertiliser supply ‘still sufficient’
Bangkok Post (Mongkol Bangprapa 23 Jun 2026)
Domestic fertiliser supply remains sufficient despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit.
Mr Suriya confirmed that fertiliser stocks are adequate to meet demand throughout the current planting season and that no shortages are expected. This is despite the shipping restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthumpun has insisted authorities are trying to keep domestic fertiliser supply and prices at appropriate levels amid ongoing international conflicts.
She added that two of the five Thailand-bound fertiliser vessels, which were previously stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, have resumed their journeys, while cargo from another vessel was transferred to land transport and moved to the Red Sea before being shipped onward to Thailand, thereby significantly improving the country’s supply situation.
Ms Suphajee said the Commerce Ministry is expanding its Green Flag fertiliser programme by distributing affordable fertiliser to 40 provinces nationwide. This is being implemented in six provinces and will continue until August. As for efforts to crack down on price manipulation, the Department of Internal Trade (DoIT) has filed more than 1,640 cases against fertiliser sellers accused of overcharging.
In the long term, the government plans to introduce a half-payment fertiliser scheme. As part of the initiative, half of the fertiliser costs will be covered by loans provided by the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, enabling farmers to use fertiliser suited to local soil conditions and improve crop productivity. The administration will also seek to import fertiliser from China and Russia during the crisis.
Plengsak Prakasetphat, president of the Thai Fertiliser and Agricultural Trade Association, said international negotiations on fertiliser supplies have made progress, with Iran confirming its readiness to support Thailand with urea fertiliser.
Iran has also informed Thailand that it will not impose additional fees or unofficial charges on vessels transporting fertiliser to Thailand, he said. Meanwhile, Russia has expressed willingness to cooperate with Thailand on the purchase and sale of chemical fertiliser.
Wittayakorn Maneenetr, directorgeneral of DoIT, said fertiliser prices have begun to ease after sharp increases following the outbreak of the war.
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