March 17, 2026 | 05:51 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Street food enthusiasts in Thailand should prepare to dig a little deeper into their pockets this month. Vendors across the country are preparing to raise average prices by five baht or roughly Rp2,600 per serving, a move triggered by soaring fuel and raw material costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
As reported by Nation Thailand, Yada Pornpetrampa, President of the Bangkok Street Vendors Association, noted that the recent spike in oil and energy prices, alongside rising transportation costs, has begun to ripple through various sectors. Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable, as many of their products fall outside government price controls. Yada indicated that these vendors are likely to adjust their rates within the month.
The pressure is not coming from the fuel pump alone; costs have also climbed for packaging, consumables, and essential ingredients. The price of fresh vegetables and daily staples used by food businesses has seen a significant surge.
For instance, basil which is a cornerstone of Thai cuisine has jumped from its usual 35–40 baht (Rp18,000–Rp21,000) per kilogram to 50–55 baht (Rp26,000–Rp29,000). Similarly, the cost of medium and large-sized limes has climbed from three baht (Rp1,500) to between 4.50 and 5 baht (Rp2,300–Rp2,600) each.
These adjustments come as the Middle East conflict enters its third week, fueling global anxieties over sustained energy supply disruptions.
According to CNBC, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has hampered more than just oil and gas shipments; it is also a vital corridor for fertilizers. Analysts warn that these disruptions could lead to higher agricultural overheads and decreased crop yields, ultimately driving food prices even higher.
Read: Thailand Expects 25% Hit on Tourism If Iran War Lasts Over 3 Months
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