Eknat is actively tackling the entire energy crisis system by cracking down on hoarding and speculation. He opposes announcing oil price increases late at night. His long-term plan includes establishing a national oil reserve and capping electricity prices at no more than 3.88 baht per unit.
On 1 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Mr. Eknat Phanpan, the incoming Minister of Energy, said in an interview on the "Kammakorn Khao" program that after officially taking office, he will urgently address issues including oil prices, refining fees, fuel hoarding, and the electricity pricing structure. Energy management must produce tangible benefits for the public. The immediate priority is refining fees, which under normal circumstances should be about 2 baht per liter, but in March rose on average to 7 baht per liter, sometimes reaching 12 to 17 baht per liter.
"These numbers are abnormally high. We plan to consider measures to cap refining fees to prevent unjustified increases while the public suffers from the energy crisis. I don’t care who it affects; if it needs to be cut down, it will be cut down. If it needs to be tackled firmly, it will be. Excessive profiteering during a crisis will not be tolerated. If refining fees can be lowered, the savings should be reflected in pump prices so the public benefits directly."
Mr. Eknat said regarding oil shortages at some stations despite refineries still supplying large quantities to the market, there are suspicions of hoarding for speculation and illegal diversion of oil distribution routes. Currently, the Ministry of Energy, Department of Special Investigation (DSI), police, military, and local administration are collaborating to inspect oil depots and thoroughly review distribution routes retrospectively. "Anyone involved in such behavior should prepare themselves. Even if you profit, you will end up in prison. This is the end of the line. If hoarding or speculation is found during a time when people are suffering, we will act decisively without exception."
Mr. Eknat commented on the Fuel Oil Fund’s operations, stating he opposes announcing oil price increases during the night because many people cannot plan to refuel in time. If price hikes become necessary in the future, they should be announced at an appropriate time, such as around 6 p.m., so people finishing work can decide to refuel. If global oil prices drop significantly, he will convene a meeting and announce price reductions immediately, even if at night, to benefit the public as soon as possible. He will also push for real-time transparency showing how much oil leaves refineries, which depots receive it, and which stations it is distributed to, ensuring clear accountability.
Regarding electricity rates, Mr. Eknat said the new rates starting in May must be capped at no more than 3.88 baht per unit. This is lower than the highest proposed option of 3.95 baht per unit. The plan involves using call-back funds or unused investment money from the three state electricity authorities to help reduce costs so the public does not bear additional electricity charges. The tiered electricity pricing structure, used for over 20 years, will be adjusted to better fit current conditions. Users consuming up to 200 units per month will receive assistance to pay rates close to 3 baht per unit to ease living costs and encourage energy saving.
Mr. Eknat revealed that in the long term, he will promote modern electricity management systems such as Demand Response and open access to a free electricity market (Direct PPA), starting with the industrial sector and potentially expanding to communities. This will allow users to purchase electricity directly from producers. He also plans to establish a national oil reserve to enhance energy security during crises. Having a state oil reserve will provide better emergency tools instead of relying solely on private sector fuel reserves.