The Prime Minister reassured the public that there will be no shortage of fuel during the Songkran holiday, urging people not to panic and to fill only their vehicles without stockpiling extra fuel. Meanwhile, the new government is set to establish an enhanced Oil Situation Center to manage the situation and affirm that no information will be withheld.
On 3 April 2026, reporters reported that at the end of a press briefing on the fuel situation, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized reassuring the public that the government is moving forward to assist citizens. Regarding fuel prices, actions are underway, and he assured that there will be fuel available for the public to fill and use as usual, especially during the Songkran holiday. He asked the public to have confidence that the management is in place, and he believes there will be various types of fuel services available normally throughout the festival period.
He urged the public not to panic about fuel shortages when returning home, stating that if people use fuel normally without stockpiling extra jerrycans, fuel will be available as in previous years. This year, preventive measures have been taken by coordinating with operators under Sections 7 and 10 of the Energy Act to have standby fuel transport vehicles especially during the festival. He encouraged everyone to reunite with their families and enjoy the holiday. Regulations for fuel transport vehicles will be waived upon request from fuel stations, and if any station runs out, refills will be delivered promptly.
No need to stockpile jerrycans.
The Prime Minister also stated that if everyone worries and stocks up excessively, not filling their vehicles but filling containers or jerrycans instead, this will cause fuel shortages. If everyone uses fuel normally and refills on the return trip, such issues will not arise. He urged people to plan for a happy and full family celebration. The government will continue to prevent, suppress, and prosecute offenders. Everyone present has demonstrated honesty and dedication to combating illegal actions, especially exploitation during this energy crisis. He asked the public to trust the government's efforts to prevent and suppress fuel-related offenses to the fullest extent possible.
Plans to establish a new Oil Situation Center.
The Prime Minister said that the current Oil Situation Center (OSC) was established by his order under the outgoing government, and a new OSC will be set up next week according to all legal requirements. Initially, the focus was on managing adequate fuel supply for domestic use without shortages. The incoming government will emphasize measures to assist the public and manage energy infrastructure to align with current conditions. Thus, the new OSC, referred to as OSC Plus, will have expanded responsibilities. Thailand has no domestic oil resources, relying entirely on imports, but it has refineries. The government can reassure the public through agencies and companies partly owned by the Ministry of Finance, such as PTT and its affiliates, which have extensive global business networks. Coordination is ongoing to secure crude oil supplies regularly. However, if the public uses fuel anxiously, shortages could occur. Refinery capacity is about 80 million liters per day; currently, it is 85 to 86 million liters, which, after verification, has slightly decreased but remains above pre-war levels.
There is no such thing as a shortage.
Therefore, if people use fuel at normal levels, the new management will ensure there is no shortage. Fuel sourcing orders have been finalized for regular delivery through early June, and procurement from other regions continues with ongoing contact. He asked the public to trust that the government is taking every possible measure. Some details remain confidential to prevent leaks but are not hidden or withheld from the public. The government always prioritizes the people’s welfare and will continue to do so.
After the press briefing, the Prime Minister left Phakdi Bodin Building and went to Thai Khu Fah Building. Before going up, he turned back, raised his hand in thanks to Police Lieutenant General Ruthapon Naowarat, Minister of Justice, and Police General Thatchai Pitanilabutr, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, saying, “Thank you very much, P’Wan. Feel free to drop by anytime.”