(KPL) The Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MOIC) held a consultative meeting today to implement Prime Ministerial Order No. 40/PM, dated 13 March 2026.

The session involved the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of the Lao PDR, the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Assembly, and private sector representatives, including the Fuel and Gas Association and various business operators. The meeting was chaired by Mr Malaythong Kommasith, Minister of Industry and Commerce.

The primary goal was to review policy updates and measures to align with current economic realities, specifically ensuring a steady domestic fuel supply.

Import and distribution companies confirmed their commitment to continue supplying fuel to the public to the best of their ability to prevent public alarm.

The MOIC will conduct inspections of fuel storage facilities to ensure fair distribution and allocation, particularly in remote areas, to prevent a shortage crisis.

Tax Adjustments and Price Structure

To alleviate the burden on consumers and importers, the meeting reached a consensus on adjusting the fuel price structure. The import tax rate for Premium Petrol (95) will be reduced to match the rate of Regular Petrol (91). This move aims to lower import costs and subsequently reduce retail prices at the gas station.

The MOIC and the Ministry of Finance will collaborate to issue updated price notifications. A critical component of this strategy involves the Fuel Subsidy Fund. A mechanism has been established to utilise between 300 and 600 billion Kip from the fund.

The capital will be used to intervene during periods of high volatility in the global market.

The focus will be on "targeted subsidies" to maintain retail price stability and prevent sudden, drastic price hikes.

KPL