The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has called on the government to intervene in support of oil middlemen, known locally as “jobbers”, who are struggling to secure supplies from refineries, resulting in a shortage affecting industrial and agricultural sectors, as well as smaller filling stations not affiliated with major retail brands.

The Constitutional Court has accepted a petition to rule on whether the use of barcodes and Quick Response (QR) codes on ballot papers in Thailand’s Feb 8 general election violated the constitution.

Thailand’s existing stocks of necessary drugs and life-saving medical supplies are enough for three months’ use, the Ministry of Public Health said on Wednesday.

The Office of the Cane and Sugar Board (OCSB) expects purchases of sugar cane leaves to more than double this year as Thailand reduces its reliance on liquefied natural gas imports, shipments of which have been disrupted by war in the Middle East.

House Speaker Sophon Zaram expressed confidence that Thursday’s parliamentary vote to select a new prime minister will proceed smoothly, in line with regulations and fairness.

The pump price of diesel, previously capped at 30 baht a litre, will increase by 50 satang on Wednesday, and will continue to rise gradually to 33 baht to reduce the burden of subsidies, authorities said on Tuesday.