Energy Minister Attaphon emphasized that Thailand remains energy secure despite oil price volatility. Oil shipments are expected to continue arriving through May. Measures are in place to curb illegal hoarding, and preparations for the Songkran festival are underway. The public is advised to check fuel status via the "Fuel-Now" app.
At 11:30 a.m. on 28 March 2026 GMT+7 Mr. Attaphon Rerkpiboon, Minister of Energy, spoke during the Meet the Press event titled "One Month of Global Crisis: Thailand’s Response Plan in a Changed World" at the Santi Maitri Building (Inner Rear), Government House, stating that Currently, oil prices remain volatile and high, but the public can be assured that Thailand maintains energy security with oil supplies sufficient for approximately 107 days. Confirmed oil imports are scheduled and expected to steadily arrive until May, ensuring adequate supply.
The Ministry of Energy continuously monitors and assesses the situation while implementing various measures such as:
1. Export suspension measures,
2. Stock inspections of oil depots and traders under Section 7 of the law,
3. Supervising refineries to increase diesel production,
4. Relaxing stock counting rules to boost oil reserves,
5. Issuing ministry announcements requiring Section 7 traders to declare prices and stock levels at refineries and depots,
6. Increasing the biofuel blend ratio in refined fuels.
Regarding oil volume and distribution, measures include reducing mandatory reserves for imported refined oil from 7% to 1% to encourage importation and increase domestic supply. Daily monitoring of refinery output is conducted, and accelerated oil delivery to jobbers helps distribute fuel to smaller stations, easing congestion. Coordination with relevant agencies ensures ongoing operational monitoring.
The Energy Minister also assured the public that intensified inspections target unauthorized oil storage sites, with charges and legal action pursued. Coordination with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) tracks all oil tankers leaving depots to confirm arrival at service stations. Collaboration with the Ministry of Interior verifies that authorized storage sites comply with conditions. Continuous efforts to supply oil into the system have reduced shortages at service stations.
, Although oil prices have risen by about 6 baht, they remain low compared to other ASEAN countries. Prices follow market mechanisms commonly used worldwide. The Energy Ministry remains proactive, having established a joint working group with the Ministries of Finance and Commerce to monitor oil prices and study the possibility of a windfall tax. Initial findings have been submitted to the Ministry of Finance. Meanwhile, the oil fund deficit stands at 38.464 billion baht, with a negative compensation flow of 1.368 billion baht.
To prepare fuel supplies for the Songkran festival, the Energy Ministry has set the following measures:
1. The public can check fuel status via the Fuel-Now application or website, https://fuel-now.doeb.go.th
2. Approximately 7 million liters per day are distributed to jobbers to allocate fuel to users and reduce congestion at service stations during Songkran,
3. Oil traders are required to increase fuel reserves and have tanker trucks on standby at stations expected to have high sales,
4. Designated fuel service points for public transport vehicles have been established in cooperation with the Ministries of Interior and Transport,
5. Coordination with traders to import additional refined oil includes a policy to reduce mandatory reserves on imports from 7% to 1%.
