Anutin affirmed there is no need to hoard fuel, warning that gas stations that unfairly raise prices will face action. He noted prices have recently been lowered and emphasized that the government is taking every measure to control product prices and energy reserves, while also assisting Thai citizens in the Middle East.
At 11:30 a.m. on 4 March 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, gave an interview at the Anti-Money Laundering Office regarding public concerns about the conflict in the Middle East and the beginning of fuel hoarding. He stated that, as Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, he has confirmed that the diesel price will be fixed for at least 15 days, so there is no reason to hoard fuel. The Ministry of Commerce is also closely monitoring both fuel and product prices.
Mr. Anutin also said, that hoarding fuel is dangerous because storing it at home can be a fire hazard. Therefore, there is currently no need to hoard. Regarding some gas stations raising prices, he emphasized that they are not allowed to do so. PTT has confirmed that it has not raised prices; it depends on consumers which stations they choose. If any station is found to have raised prices unfairly, appropriate action will be taken. When asked about cases where some gas stations increased prices by 4 baht per liter, the Prime Minister replied that prices have already been reduced as of this morning and asked to focus on the current situation.
When asked how to reduce public anxiety, since many fear energy reserves might not last 60 days, the Prime Minister revealed, that the government has taken all necessary actions. Yesterday (3 March 2026), due to concerns about product prices, various measures were introduced, including fixing fuel prices as a policy implemented by the Ministry of Energy to prevent hardship. Likewise, full assistance has been provided to Thai citizens in the Middle East. People can follow the situation with concern, but all matters should be left to the government. He urged everyone to live normally.
Regarding the joint meeting with the Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Commerce to monitor the situation, the Prime Minister said the meeting has already taken place. Today, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Akniti Nitithanprapas will convene relevant agencies. The Prime Minister has already given policy directions on how to minimize public hardship as much as possible.
A reporter added that on 3 March 2026, Mr. Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy, as Chairman of the Fuel Oil Fund Management Committee (FOMC), disclosed that the committee resolved to fix the diesel price at 29.94 baht per liter for 15 consecutive days despite rising global oil prices, effective immediately. Afterwards, further measures to assist the public will be considered. On 4 March 2026, all gas stations sold diesel at 29.94 baht per liter, with an additional diesel subsidy of 2.77 baht per liter and reduced fuel fund fees on gasoline by 0.38–0.70 baht per liter, keeping retail prices stable across all types of diesel and gasoline at stations.
"The Ministry of Energy has established a war room to monitor the ongoing conflict between Israel, the U.S., and Iran in the Middle East, as the situation may escalate and threaten critical oil shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry closely watches and analyzes the situation because global crude oil prices remain volatile. To prevent excessive impact on the Thai public, the FOMC has used the Fuel Oil Fund mechanism to mitigate shocks by lowering fund fee collection on gasoline and gasohol groups to maintain stable retail prices. We assure that Thailand’s oil reserves remain sufficient, and prices are at reasonable levels to minimize impact on citizens,"
Mr. Atthapol concluded that as of 1 March 2026, the Fuel Oil Fund balance is positive at 2.459 billion baht.