Phiphat urges gas stations to sell fuel in canisters to groups of farmers and fishermen, confident they are not hoarding but using it for real purposes.
On 13 March 2026, Mr. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, attended the opening ceremony of the 2026 Ramadan Relations Project organized by the Khuan Sato Subdistrict Administrative Organization (SAO) in Khuan Don District, Satun Province. The event took place in front of the Khuan Sato SAO office, with Mr. Kanit Kongsuay, Governor of Satun Province; Mr. Soryasir Nungalie, Chief Executive of Khuan Sato SAO; local officials; and over a thousand residents joining to welcome and break the fast together.
During the opening ceremony, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport visited various booths displaying 12 roasted whole cows and local housewives' groups offering traditional sweets such as Kodok, Kho cake, and Yum Luk Ya Ngoi. After the opening, participants broke the fast together.
Regarding the fuel situation in Satun Province, the Deputy Prime Minister revealed that he is aware the area is affected, especially farmers and small-scale fishermen who are unable to purchase fuel in canisters from some gas stations. Each station has different policies. He appealed to gas stations to consider and cooperate by selling fuel to farmers and small fishermen. While they cannot enforce this, he believes these groups buy only small amounts and are not hoarding.
On 16 March 2026, the government’s fuel price freeze will expire as per the Prime Minister’s directive. A meeting will be held to find a solution, providing clarity on retail fuel prices at gas stations and wholesale prices for the industrial sector. Small-scale farmers typically fill only a few liters and are certainly not hoarding.
For larger 200-liter drums, these must be for industrial use. The government has assigned guidelines to supply fuel for 10-wheeler trucks through government channels, loading directly from fuel depots. The government is currently working to resolve the fuel supply issue by this coming Monday.