Thai Road Freight Service Cost Index Rises in Q3 2025 Amid Global Energy Volatility

Key summary

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy reports that the road freight service cost index for Thailand rose by 11.1% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2025, driven primarily by escalating diesel prices linked to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Agricultural and mining sectors saw significant increases, with agricultural products up 13.4% and minerals up 3.8%, while industrial goods climbed 11.0%. Vehicle types such as liquid tankers and hazardous material trucks also recorded double-digit growth rates between 7.0% and 11.3%. The outlook for the fourth quarter suggests continued high costs due to stable but elevated global oil prices, end-of-year demand surges, and logistical challenges from weather variability.