Reference price hike could have an impact.

(From Bangkok Post)

The government's move yesterday to raise prices for steel could have a knock-on psychological effect on other sectors besides construction, an expert says.

According to Poomson Rojlertjanya, president of the Thai Construction Association, the increase in reference prices for steel bars and structural steel announced by the Internal Trade Department yesterday was a mistake.

He said many consumer goods producers would no doubt follow suit by raising product prices, especially after the government raised diesel prices to 15.19 baht per litre in late February.

"There will be more diesel price hikes in the near future, and …