Major consumer goods producers and distributors have pledged to keep product prices stable and affordable despite increasing pressure from rising raw material costs caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East.
Aseem Puri, chief executive of Unilever Thailand, said amid economic challenges and the impact of the Middle East war, the company is focusing on ensuring product availability across all sales channels, including small mom-and-pop shops, where it typically sells smaller package sizes, as well as larger retail chains.
He said the company would keep product prices affordable.
Mr Puri declined to comment about potential price increases.
"Despite costs going up, the company is working hard to make sure prices remain affordable and stable," he said.
Unilever identified key materials affected by the Middle East conflict, such as plastics and packaging, and is working closely with suppliers to ensure supply availability.
The company is also collaborating with a local supplier in Thailand to develop alternative materials.
Products requiring materials derived from crude oil, including home care items and packaging, have been affected by rising oil prices, said Mr Puri.
Ratiporn Ratcharoen, group chief financial officer at Osotspa Plc, said the company secured raw material contracts through the first half of 2026.
For the third quarter, the company anticipates rising costs, prompting a focus on cost savings in areas such as logistics.
With elevated energy prices and diesel currently around 41 baht per litre, she said the company is optimising its logistics operations to maximise efficiency.
"The company is unlikely to raise product prices this year because doing so would affect customers' spending power," said Ms Ratiporn.
Regarding shifting consumer trends, Mr Puri said Thais are increasingly conscious about their health and beauty.
Unilever has recognised changes in the consumer landscape, including a rise in single-person households, an ageing population and more households with pets, which are shaping its product development, he said.
