According to a report from Thai Chinese News on June 24, Mr. Chattapan Panchamanan, Deputy Director of Thailand's Department of Internal Trade, revealed that the department is closely monitoring raw material and plastic packaging product prices.
In March 2026, conflicts in the Middle East caused energy price fluctuations, especially in natural gas and crude oil prices, and disrupted raw material transportation through the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global petrochemical and plastic pellet production.
Tracking PE, PP, and PET plastic pellet prices showed that in March 2026, plastic pellet prices increased by approximately 27-58% compared to February, with HDPE up 31%, PP up 50%, and PET up 58%. This led to increased costs for plastic packaging and consumer goods manufacturers.
However, the situation began to ease in May, with global crude oil prices falling and Strait of Hormuz transportation returning to normal. Plastic pellet prices began to decline. At the same time, importers increased plastic pellet imports by over 39% to meet domestic demand, ensuring sufficient raw material supply and alleviating price pressure.
Tracking the plastic packaging market revealed that major products such as plastic food containers, hot and cold plastic bags, tote bags, and garbage bags are well-supplied and have begun to decrease in price. As of June 17, 2026, some plastic packaging prices have decreased by approximately 2-6 Thai baht per kilogram. For example, hot and cold plastic bags decreased from 47 baht/kg to 42 baht/kg (an 11% drop); tote bags decreased from 51 baht/kg to 45 baht/kg (a 12% drop); garbage bags decreased from 42 baht/kg to 40 baht/kg (a 5% drop).
The Department of Internal Trade, in accordance with the Prices of Goods and Services Act, has listed plastic pellets and plastic packaging as commodities under close monitoring by the Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services. The department continues to track costs, inventory, production, imports, and sales, and coordinates with producers, importers, and operators at all levels to prevent hoarding and price gouging during the turmoil.
Currently, Thailand's plastic pellet and packaging supply is sufficient with no shortages. With raw material and energy cost pressures easing, operators are able to continuously reduce prices, which benefits both businesses and consumers.
