Ratchada revealed the government understands the public's hardship. The Prime Minister has ordered the implementation of a Songkran contingency plan requiring fuel traders to increase reserves, assuring a continuous schedule of fuel shipments arriving in Thailand sufficient to meet national fuel demand.
On 29 March 2026, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government is aware of the public's concerns about accessing fuel, especially during the Songkran festival. She clarified that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has instructed close monitoring and action on key points as follows.
1. Fuel distribution plan details: 1) Distribute about 7 million liters daily to wholesalers (Jobbers) to improve allocation efficiency and reduce congestion at gas stations; 2) instruct fuel traders to increase reserves and prepare standby fuel transport vehicles in high-demand areas; 3) set up fuel service points for public buses in cooperation with the Ministry of Interior and Ministry of Transport; 4) facilitate additional imports of refined fuel by reducing reserve requirements from 7% to 1% to increase import flexibility.
2. The public can check fuel status at gas stations nationwide in real time via the Fuel-Now app or the website https://fuel-now.doeb.go.th/ to conveniently and confidently plan their travel.
3. Accelerate management of fuel imports from various global sources to offset uncertainties from Middle East conflicts. The Ministry of Energy, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has proactively engaged diplomatically and negotiated to diversify energy risks, coordinating with oil-producing countries such as Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria, which have expressed readiness to support. The suitability of imports is under consideration with Thai refineries.
4. Monitor fuel shipments into the country as planned. The Ministry of Energy confirmed a continuous schedule of fuel tankers entering Thai waters through May 2026 totaling over 36 million barrels. Particularly in April, during Songkran, more than 24 million barrels will enter the system, with over 8.96 million barrels in May, sufficient to meet national fuel demand. Long-term imports will be phased accordingly.. .
Ms. Ratchada added that the Prime Minister is closely monitoring fuel distribution to the public and strictly enforcing actions against fuel hoarding. Recently, on 24-25 March, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), alongside the Department of Energy Business, local authorities, and police, inspected fuel traders—both major and independent—in multiple provinces. In Saraburi province, authorities found three suspicious locations hoarding and selling 31,299 liters of diesel and gasoline without licenses, leading to legal actions.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department, integrating efforts with the Navy and local agencies, inspected a suspicious vessel in Sattahip district, Chonburi province, on 27 March and found 85,000 liters of diesel without verifiable origin, resulting in legal proceedings and fines totaling over 3.85 million baht.
“To support travel for citizens and transport operators during the upcoming Songkran festival, the government is prepared and accelerating continuous fuel supply into the system, reducing shortages at service stations. The public can still check fuel status via the Fuel-Now app or at https://fuel-now.doeb.go.th/ for stations in each area,” Ms. Ratchada said.