The Prime Minister appointed “Ekniti” as chairman of the committee to determine oil cost, as expected, following persistent strong opposition to “Phiphat.” The committee was assigned to study appropriate pricing within 15 days.
On 1 April 2026 GMT+7, reporters noted that the Royal Gazette published the Prime Minister’s order on measures to resolve and prevent fuel shortages caused by Middle East conflicts (Third Edition). It stated that fuel prices have been highly volatile due to the ongoing Middle East conflict with no signs of resolution soon. The government has accelerated various measures to ensure sufficient domestic fuel supply, but fuel prices remain high, impacting citizens’ livelihoods and business costs. There is also uncertainty in setting refining fees, marketing fees, transportation, and storage costs, which are key factors affecting retail fuel prices.
It is appropriate to establish a committee to study suitable approaches to setting refining and marketing fees that reflect fuel selling prices in line with current conditions promptly to reduce citizens’ burdens. Exercising authority under Section 3 of the Fuel Shortage Prevention and Resolution Act B.E. 2516 (1973), the Prime Minister issues the following order.
Clause 1: This order shall take effect from the date of its publication in the Royal Gazette onward.
Clause 2: A committee shall be established to study the appropriateness of determining fuel cost components (the Committee).
. . .
(1) The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance shall serve as the committee chairman.
(2) The Minister of Energy shall serve as a committee member.
(3) The Minister of Commerce shall serve as a committee member.
(4) Mr. Atthapol Rerkpiboon shall serve as a committee member.
(5) Dr. Praipol Koomsub shall serve as a committee member.
(6) Dr. Anusorn Saengnimnuan shall serve as a committee member.
(7) Dr. Areeporn Asawinpongpan shall serve as a committee member.
(8) The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance shall serve as a committee member.
(9) The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce shall serve as a committee member.
(10) The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy shall serve as a committee member and secretary.
(11) The Director of the Energy Policy and Planning Office shall serve as assistant secretary.
(12) The Director-General of the Department of Energy Business shall serve as assistant secretary.
The Committee shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) To study appropriate criteria for determining refining fees, marketing fees, transportation, and storage costs of fuel and submit the study results to the Cabinet for consideration.
. . .
(2) To study appropriate criteria for calculating and setting prices for wholesale sales at refineries and sales to oil traders under Sections 10 and 11 of the Fuel Trade Act B.E. 2543 (2000), and submit to the Cabinet for consideration.
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(3) To perform other duties assigned by the Prime Minister.
The Committee shall submit the study results under items (1) and (2) to the Cabinet within 15 days from the effective date of this order.
Clause 4: In performing its duties, the Committee has the authority to enter any premises or require any person to provide facts or submit documents for consideration.