The recent fuel shortages at gas stations have raised questions about transparency throughout the supply chain, from refineries to pumps. Recently, the Department of Energy Business accelerated strict inspections by requesting daily data from refineries and fuel storage facilities nationwide retroactive to early February to compare with current conditions.
They plan to finalize the facts within one to two weeks amid a government stance determined to take serious action against offenders, emphasizing that prosecutions will be pursued to the fullest extent if hoarding or exploitation of the public during this crisis is detected.
Sarawut Kaewtatip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB), Ministry of Energy. He revealed that the root cause of the fuel shortage issue remains unclear at this time, with no definitive conclusion on who is responsible or the true reasons behind the problem. A thorough investigation is required to determine the facts and clarify why fuel deliveries have ceased, aiming to identify the source of the problem.
Currently, the department is intensively reviewing data from all oil refineries and fuel storage facilities nationwide, having requested daily data retroactive to 1 February 2026, a period considered normal, in order to compare and analyze this against trading data from March.
Traders are required to report every liter of fuel sold; this measure has been in effect since 20 March under the Prime Minister’s order. Failure to report all quantities will constitute a legal violation immediately.
Regarding fuel storage inspections, traders must provide data on both inventory levels and daily distribution volumes for authorities to verify, ensuring no fuel is hidden or hoarded within storage facilities. Current regulations mandate maintaining reserves of 6% crude oil and 1% refined fuel.
Additionally, the department will review transport documents in detail to trace fuel distribution routes from origin to destination. It is expected that the incoming data will allow comprehensive analysis and conclusion within one to two weeks.
Addressing concerns about possible illicit exports of fuel to neighboring countries for profiteering, the DOEB Director-General confirmed that monitoring of export figures to Laos shows no signs of irregularities in this regard.
Currently, congestion at gas stations has significantly decreased. The DOEB has established an operations center to coordinate with provincial energy offices nationwide to report fuel shortage points and prompt traders under Section 7 to expedite deliveries.
So far, the DOEB has inspected 2,649 gas stations for fuel shortages. Officials from the Department of Energy Business and provincial energy offices found 247 stations (9.1%) closed due to lack of fuel, 1,912 stations (72.2%) open but partially out of certain fuel types, and 496 stations (18.7%) fully stocked. The main causes include a 45.7% increase in fuel demand, a 40% reduction in allocation from suppliers, insufficient fuel transport vehicles at 7.4%, and 6.8% due to empty storage facilities.
From 21 to 23 March 2026, inspections of seven fuel storage sites were conducted jointly with the Central Investigation Police, the Department of Special Investigation, and the Ministry of Commerce. No irregularities were found regarding price hoarding, and all sites showed fuel distribution volumes in March comparable to or exceeding those in January–February 2026.
On 25 March 2026, in cooperation with the Department of Special Investigation and Saraburi provincial energy office, authorities inspected three suspicious locations in Sao Hai district, Saraburi province, following intelligence on illicit fuel trading or hoarding.
Officials discovered approximately 40,000 liters of fuel stored without notification or authorization. The seized fuel was retained as evidence for prosecution. This action violates the law, punishable by up to two years imprisonment or a fine of up to 200,000 baht, or both. If the act constitutes hoarding for profit or market disruption, additional legal charges may apply.
Sarawut urged the public to help monitor and report any illegal activities immediately, assuring that the Ministry of Energy will enforce the law fully against those exploiting consumers.
Weerapat Kiattifungfu, Deputy Permanent Secretary and spokesperson of the Ministry of Energy. He revealed that the ongoing intense conflict among the United States, Israel, and Iran, which is expected to last longer than anticipated, has caused rapid increases in global oil prices, affecting not only Thailand but all countries worldwide.
This global price crisis has compelled Thailand to adjust fuel prices to reflect current conditions, while continuing to rely on the Oil Fuel Fund to subsidize and mitigate the impact of sharp global market price increases.
Even countries with their own crude oil sources, like Malaysia, increased diesel prices by 7 baht per liter yesterday, bringing Malaysia’s retail diesel price to 45.59 baht per liter—a price that does not include taxes as in Thailand.
Meanwhile, diesel in Thailand costs 38.94 baht per liter. Compared to other ASEAN countries such as Singapore (100.26 baht), the Philippines (68.26 baht), Laos (64.14 baht), and Vietnam (47.16 baht), Thailand’s retail diesel price remains relatively low.
Currently, the Oil Fuel Fund continues to actively reduce the cost of living burden by subsidizing diesel prices by 19.12 baht per liter, amounting to nearly 1.7 billion baht daily.
Since the onset of the crisis until now, the fund has provided over 38 billion baht in fuel price subsidies.
The Ministry of Energy is actively discussing with the Ministry of Finance about reducing excise taxes on fuel, while considering the country’s fiscal stability and preparing measures to assist vulnerable groups.
The fuel shortage problem at gas stations in many areas has begun to ease, with provincial energy offices closely monitoring and working to resolve issues promptly for the public.
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