Sirikanja urged the government to clearly communicate the oil situation, emphasizing that managing public expectations is crucial. She criticized the government's chaotic measures such as work from home and canceling official visits as ineffective.
On 18 March 2026, a reporter reported that on 17 March, 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 oil price freeze measures, noting considerable chaos and panic particularly toward the end of the period. Before the measures changed, there was less public outcry, but the party has closely followed the situation throughout.
Regarding the current oil situation, Ms. Sirikanja stated that oil reserves have been steadily increasing due to additional supplies sourced from places like Africa and the United States. However, the core problem lies in the price discrepancy between pump prices and those charged by middlemen or jobbers, which has led to hoarding. This hoarding involves not only the public but also industrial factories and other oil-using industries. Since middlemen now charge higher prices without subsidies, allocation issues are clearly problematic.
On some people's view that the situation is due to panic buying, she acknowledged this partially, but said that if panic buying by the public were the main cause, it would not have led to simultaneous shortages at many gas stations. It is more likely caused by hoarding from industrial factories.
Ms. Sirikanja sees two approaches to keeping diesel prices below 30 baht per liter: using the oil fund and reducing excise tax. She emphasized prioritizing the oil fund, which previously carried debt up to 150 billion baht but has since recovered. She proposed that the government clearly disclose the plan for gradual price increases up to about 33 baht per liter, specifying timing and method (gradual or immediate) to minimize impacts on the public and businesses. She suggested avoiding fixed price caps but setting daily subsidy limits and duration. Currently, she understands approximately 20 billion baht remains in loans to continue the price freeze until a new government with full legitimacy assumes office, since the caretaker government cannot issue a royal decree for the Finance Ministry to guarantee the oil fund's loans.
Regarding the transport sector, Ms. Sirikanja believes targeted subsidies are needed to alleviate impacts on goods prices. This could be done through coupons or vouchers to aid transport operators, and support should also be extended to vulnerable groups using gasoline.
On reducing excise tax, she said this is possible but excise taxes relate to government revenue collection. Significant impacts could affect fiscal balance, though partial reductions might be feasible if higher budget deficits are accepted, which could bring other risks.
Regarding the idea of letting oil prices float to reflect reality so the public realizes the need to save energy, she noted many countries have begun adopting this approach. She agreed it is feasible to highlight the problem to the public but stressed it depends on the government's communication during this crisis to convey a sense of urgency—that energy saving is necessary. This contrasts with the government's chaotic orders such as work from home or canceling official visits, which she said are ineffective.
On the recent increase in refining margins by refineries, Sirikanja believes the government can control refining margins if it obtains the true cost data from refineries. This data should be discussed with refineries to properly regulate and supervise the sector.
Regarding the windfall tax collection method, she acknowledged it has been used in several countries, including in Europe, and is an interesting concept. However, caution is needed about defining what constitutes excess profit, especially since many companies are publicly listed and fairness to minority shareholders must be considered.
Therefore, the urgent task for the government is to maintain public confidence and prevent panic that leads to hoarding. The oil situation must be communicated transparently, with a dashboard showing actual oil volumes to assure gas stations can manage their supplies and basic services continue. For fertilizers and other goods that may see price rises, she believes the situation can still be managed. During this initial shortage period, it is necessary to seek new supply sources, and the government must communicate clearly about its measures to the public.
On concerns about soaring prices, Ms. Sirikanja said fresh food prices fluctuate but processed food prices tend to remain high once increased. Price control mechanisms by the Ministry of Commerce are necessary. The Commerce Minister's announcement to control prices of 59 regulated items is very limited, so close monitoring is required to ensure price increases are fair, and additional supplies of essential goods should be secured.