Ratchada revealed that the government understands the public's difficulties. The Prime Minister has ordered the implementation of a Songkran contingency plan, requiring fuel traders to increase their reserves, and confirmed a continuous schedule of oil shipments arriving in Thailand, sufficient to meet the country's fuel demand.
On 29 March 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government understands citizens' concerns about access to fuel, especially during the Songkran festival. She explained that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has issued orders and closely monitored the following key actions.
1. Fuel distribution plans include: 1) distributing about 7 million liters per day to wholesalers (Jobbers) to improve allocation efficiency and reduce congestion at service stations; 2) instructing fuel traders to increase reserves and preparing standby fuel transport vehicles in high-demand areas; 3) establishing fuel service points for public buses in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport; 4) facilitating additional imports of refined fuel by lowering reserve requirements from 7% to 1% to enhance import flexibility.
2. The public can check real-time fuel status at service stations nationwide through the Fuel-Now application or the website https://fuel-now.doeb.go.th/ to conveniently and confidently plan their travel.
3. Efforts are underway to manage fuel imports from various global sources to offset uncertainties arising from conflicts in the Middle East. The Ministry of Energy, in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is proactively engaging through diplomatic channels and negotiations to diversify energy risks. Cooperation has been arranged with several oil-producing countries such as Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria, all expressing readiness to support, with suitability currently being assessed alongside Thai refineries.
4. Monitoring of oil shipments entering the country is proceeding as planned. The Ministry of Energy has confirmed a continuous schedule of oil tankers arriving in Thai waters through May 2026, totaling over 36 million barrels. Notably, during April, which includes the Songkran festival, more than 24 million barrels will enter the system, and over 8.96 million barrels are expected in May, sufficient to meet the country's fuel needs. In the longer term, imports will be made periodically to align with demand.. (Fragment only; no translation applicable) . (Fragment only; no translation applicable)
Ms. Ratchada added that the Prime Minister is closely monitoring the fuel distribution situation to ensure delivery to the public and strictly enforcing actions against fuel hoarders. Recently, on 24–25 March, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), in cooperation with the Department of Energy Business, local administrative agencies, and police, inspected fuel traders, including major and independent dealers across several provinces. In Saraburi province, authorities found three suspicious sites involved in illegal hoarding and sale of a total of 31,299 liters of diesel and gasoline without licenses, leading to legal action.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department, together with the Navy and local agencies, inspected a suspicious vessel in the Sattahip area of Chonburi province on 27 March, discovering 85,000 liters of diesel fuel without verifiable origin. Legal proceedings and fines totaling over 3.85 million baht were imposed.
"To support travel for citizens and transport operators during the upcoming Songkran festival, the government is prepared and has accelerated continuous fuel supply into the system, reducing shortages at service stations. The public can also check fuel status via the Fuel-Now application or at https://fuel-now.doeb.go.th/ for fuel stations in each area," Ms. Ratchada said.