The Narcotics Suppression Police inspected an oil company in Ang Thong Province after receiving complaints that it was selling diesel at 40.50 baht per liter, above the legal price. They found 331,000 liters of fuel in stock. The company claimed it had bought the fuel at a high price but could not produce any documentation to prove this.
On 19 Mar 2016 GMT+7, Pol. Lt. Gen. Nattasak Chaowanasai, Commander of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, ordered Pol. Maj. Gen. Kongkrit Lertsittikul, Chief of the Narcotics Suppression Division, Pol. Col. Thanat Satpipat, Acting Chief of Investigation Division 2, and Pol. Lt. Chamroon Khamma, Investigator of Division 2, to lead a team along with officials from Ang Thong's Provincial Energy and Commerce Offices to inspect an oil distribution company in Talat Kruat Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District.
This inspection followed reports received by Division 2 of the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Singburi Commerce Office that a gas station in Singburi Province was selling fuel at above-normal prices to consumers. Upon investigation, they found the station purchased fuel from an oil company in Talat Kruat Subdistrict, Mueang Ang Thong District. They proceeded to inspect the oil company, where they were guided by Mr. Sinchai, 57, the warehouse manager.
The inspection found approximately 48,000 liters of low-flammability fuel (diesel) in tanks, about 210,000 liters of high-flammability fuel (Gasohol 95), and about 73,000 liters of high-flammability fuel (Gasohol 91). The total fuel volume found was 331,000 liters, with a combined value of 12,520,400 baht.
When questioned, the company's sales staff stated they sold diesel to customers in Singburi and nearby provinces at 40.50 baht per liter, a price higher than normal. The company claimed to have purchased the diesel at 39.50 baht per liter. However, when asked to present purchase and payment documents, none were provided.
Officials collected fuel samples to send to the Department of Energy Business for quality testing and to the Excise Department to verify whether the fuel was subject to excise tax. If violations are found, legal action will be taken.