Danucha explained that the empty pumps resulted from a surge in demand reaching 100 million liters per day, causing transport delays in refilling. She confirmed that crude oil imports have reserves exceeding 3.4 billion liters and ordered price tags to be displayed to prevent price gouging.
On 23 March 2026, Danucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), summarized the fuel situation after the Prime Minister urgently directed relevant agencies to inspect fuel stocks nationwide to reassure the public. Over the past two days, the Ministry of Justice’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI), together with the Energy Business Department, inspected eight major fuel depots, including PTT Klong Toey, Lam Luk Ka, Bangchak, Shell, IRPC Samut Prakan, and P.S.P. depots. The inspections found no irregularities; actual fuel quantities matched all accounting records with no signs of hoarding.
The NESDC Secretary-General explained that the 'Out of Fuel' signs at some gas stations resulted from abnormally high fuel usage driven by public fear of shortages. Average daily consumption rose from 65-66 million liters to 84 million liters, peaking at 100 million liters some days. Stations that used to sell 15,000 liters daily sold out within half a day, causing delivery trucks to fall behind. Pipeline deliveries must follow scheduled rounds and cannot supply all fuel types, leading to occasional delays in certain areas.
Customs Department data indicates that from 1 to 20 March, over 3.4 billion liters of crude oil were imported, which is certainly sufficient for domestic use. Meanwhile, refineries nationwide have increased production capacity from 100% to 110% to boost refined fuel supply to meet rising demand.
Additionally, the Department of Provincial Administration inspected 9,387 gas stations and found transport issues affecting about 8,000 locations. The government has now relaxed regulations allowing fuel transport trucks to operate 24 hours. It is expected that problems at fewer than 200 remaining Bangchak stations will resolve within 2-3 days. Authorities emphasized that all depots and stations must clearly display fuel prices and strictly prohibit prices exceeding the controlled rates.