Sudarat understands the government's necessity to raise oil prices but is concerned about the lack of transparency. She questions whether this is a "cover-up" benefiting oil stockpiling syndicates and asks why oil stock levels were not inspected before the price increase was announced.
On 26 Mar 2026 GMT+7, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan, leader of the Thai Sang Thai Party, posted on Facebook expressing concern for the public suffering under severe "rising costs of living," especially due to two oil price hikes totaling over 8 baht within just three days. She acknowledged the government's need to align oil prices closer to real costs but expressed deep concern over the "methodology" and "transparency" in handling this crisis as follows.
1. Why not reduce taxes and marketing fees before passing the burden onto the public?
Before raising prices, why did the government not consider suspending excise tax, value-added tax, and reducing marketing fees—amounting to over 10 baht per liter—to immediately ease the burden? This would directly lower fuel prices by more than 10 baht per liter for consumers.
Using the Oil Fund to subsidize prices in the future is effectively spending the public's future money in advance. Thus, even if global oil prices later fall, consumers will still pay high prices to repay the fund.
2. Why was there no audit of oil stock before announcing the price hike?
The oil currently sold comes from old stock with prior costs, yet the government allowed prices to rise by 8 baht. Does this open the door for exploitation of the public? Calculating from 1.5 billion liters of commercial oil reserves multiplied by an 8 baht difference equates to 12 billion baht flowing into the pockets of profiteers at the expense of public hardship.
3. Where are the targeted subsidy measures?
The government should promptly implement support measures for vulnerable groups and those directly affected, such as farmers, fishermen, SMEs, transport operators, motorcycle taxi drivers, delivery riders, and taxi drivers—such as issuing fuel discount coupons. This is an urgent matter that must be addressed immediately.
4. Is this price hike a "cover-up" for oil stockpiling syndicates?
There are suspicions about the "masked group" that hoarded oil previously. If the government raises prices immediately, will it prevent tracing and punishing the wrongdoers?
5. How clear are the government's measures to control consumer goods prices?
With rising energy costs, what concrete plans does the government have to prevent goods prices from increasing unrealistically, further burdening the public?
All these observations stem from concern for the citizens bearing heavy living costs, hoping the government will reconsider its management approach to ensure transparency and prioritize the public's interest.