The Government Operations Center approved the formation of a subcommittee to oversee Thai cargo ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasized that all oil depots must publicly announce fuel prices, and the Ministry of Commerce introduced measures to address the backlog of goods in international transport routes.
At 16:30 on 27 March 2026, at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, Deputy Prime Minister, assigned Mr. Atthapol Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy, to chair the 6/2026 Government Operations Center meeting. Attendees included Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Mr. Akniti Nitithanprapas, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance Mr. Lawaron Saengsanit, Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council Mr. Danucha Pichayanan, senior officials from various ministries, and related private sector representatives, participating both onsite and online. Key points were summarized as follows.
The meeting received updates on the Government Operations Center's integrated efforts to closely monitor the situation. Issues of public and media interest included the impact on energy prices and living costs, the conflict in the Middle East, and the evacuation of Thai nationals from high-risk areas there. For ongoing communication, the Public Relations Department outlined these objectives: 1. Rapid management of misinformation; 2. Consistent support for the public; and 3. Strict action against those exploiting citizens.
The Ministry of Energy reported on the energy situation and measures to mitigate oil price impacts, including the use of the oil fund to subsidize fuel prices. They provided an overview of the diesel and gasoline supply chain—from crude oil procurement, refined fuel production, fuel distribution to retailers, to sales—and progress on promoting B20 biofuel. Currently, some fuel retailers have begun selling B20; Bangchak was the first to do so on 25 March 2026 at its Bangchak refinery in Phra Khanong, selling directly to the industrial sector. Additionally, the meeting noted progress on the Fuel-Now web application, currently seeking cooperation for data reporting.
Regarding inspections of fuel depots on 24 March 2026, conducted by the Department of Energy Business in collaboration with Metropolitan Police, the Department of Special Investigation, and the Ministry of Commerce, no irregularities were found. All depots clearly displayed fuel prices, and fuel dispensing volumes in March 2026 were similar to or higher than those in January–February 2026.
The Ministry of Commerce reported on product prices and trade conditions. It implements measures to manage living costs, focusing on four main groups: vulnerable low-income populations, supported through the Thai Help Thai project offering daily essentials at special prices and the Blue Flag economical pricing program. There is also a plan to increase controlled goods from 59 to 66 items to reduce household expenses.
For farmers, the Ministry aims to lower production costs by expanding the Green Flag Plus project, providing low-cost chemical fertilizers, and promoting organic fertilizer use.
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), the Ministry supports low-interest soft loans and facilitates connections between large producers and small retailers to maintain liquidity and reduce business costs.
For exporters, efforts focus on maintaining export competitiveness through cooperation with associations, monitoring logistics situations, managing insurance costs, and securing export channels.
Simultaneously, the Ministry of Commerce is closely working with relevant agencies to resolve the issue of cargo ships stuck in international transport routes by coordinating with importers in destination or nearby countries to purchase goods, minimizing losses for Thai exporters.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that the conflict in the Middle East is intensifying with no clear signs of negotiation. The ministry will continue close monitoring. Today, it participated in receiving and honoring the remains of Mr. Chaiwat Waewnil, a Thai worker who died in Israel on 18 March 2026, at Suvarnabhumi Airport before the body was taken for religious rites in Chaiyaphum province.
At the meeting's conclusion, approval was given to establish a subcommittee composed of relevant agencies to prioritize goods and vessels requesting passage through the Strait of Hormuz.