Sirikanja urged the government to clearly communicate the oil situation, stressing that managing public expectations is crucial. She criticized the government's disorderly measures such as work-from-home policies and banning official work trips as ineffective.
On 17 Mar 2026, Ms. Sirikanja Tansakul, party-list MP and deputy leader of the Prachachon Party, gave an interview regarding the oil price situation and the government's response measures amid the ongoing circumstances.
Ms. Sirikanja said that the Prachachon Party has been monitoring the government’s 15-day diesel price cap measures, noting considerable chaos and panic toward the end of the period. Before changes to the policy, there was little public outcry, but the party has been closely following the situation throughout.
Regarding the current oil situation, Ms. Sirikanja noted that oil reserves are steadily increasing due to additional supplies from sources like Africa and the United States. However, the core problem lies in price differences between pump prices and those charged by middlemen or jobbers, leading to hoarding. This hoarding involves not only citizens but also factories and other industries using oil, since buying from middlemen now costs more without subsidies. The main issue now is clear misallocation of oil supplies.
On some public perceptions that the situation is caused by panic buying, she acknowledged this partly but said such demand alone would not cause multiple stations to run out simultaneously. The likely cause is hoarding by industrial factories rather than general consumers.
Ms. Sirikanja proposed two approaches to maintaining diesel prices below 30 baht per liter: relying on the Oil Fuel Fund and reducing excise taxes, with priority on the Oil Fuel Fund. Despite past debts up to 150 billion baht, the fund has recovered. She urged the government to disclose clear plans for gradual price increases up to about 33 baht per liter, specifying the timeline and method, to reduce impacts on citizens and businesses. She suggested setting subsidy limits by daily amount and duration rather than fixed price caps. Currently, about 20 billion baht in loans remain to continue price capping until a new fully legitimate government is in place, since the caretaker government cannot authorize the Ministry of Finance to guarantee loans to the Oil Fuel Fund.
For the transport sector, Ms. Sirikanja said targeted subsidies should be provided to ease the impact on goods prices, possibly through coupons or vouchers. Support should also extend to vulnerable groups using gasoline.
Regarding excise tax reduction, she said it is possible but the excise tax affects government revenue, so heavy impacts could hurt fiscal balance. Partial reductions might be feasible if the government accepts a larger budget deficit, but this involves other risks.
On the idea of letting oil prices float freely to reflect reality and encourage energy conservation, she noted that many countries have adopted this approach. She agreed it is possible to raise public awareness of the problem. However, success depends on the government's sincere communication during this crisis, conveying urgency to save energy rather than issuing ineffective, disorderly orders like work-from-home policies or banning official work trips.
Regarding recent increases in oil refining margins, Sirikanja believes the government can control refining costs if it obtains accurate refinery cost data. Such information should be discussed with refineries and properly regulated.
On the concept of collecting windfall taxes, she acknowledged that many European countries have used this idea. While interesting, caution is needed to define which profits exceed normal levels. Since many companies are publicly listed, fairness to minority shareholders must also be considered.
Therefore, the government’s urgent task is to build public confidence to prevent panic and hoarding. The oil situation must be communicated transparently through a dashboard showing actual oil supply sufficiency, enabling gas stations to manage their inventories and maintain essential services. For fertilizers and other goods that may rise in price, the situation can still be managed. As shortages begin, this period should be used to seek new supply sources, with the government clearly informing the public of its measures.
Regarding concerns about soaring product prices, Ms. Sirikanja said fresh food prices fluctuate but processed food prices tend to remain high once increased. The Ministry of Commerce’s pricing control mechanisms must be used. She noted the Commerce Minister’s announcement to control prices of 59 regulated items is very limited. It is necessary to monitor whether price increases are fair and to secure additional essential goods.