Anutin announced a reduction in the government budget to tackle problems and ease public hardship during the energy crisis, alongside plans to restructure energy and electricity prices. There is currently no resolution on reducing refining fees or oil excise taxes, pending a policy announcement from the government.
At 21:54 on 6 Apr 2026 GMT+7. Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior. He made the announcement following a special Cabinet meeting on measures to address and prevent fuel shortages due to the Middle East conflict, along with support measures for citizens affected by the situation.
The Prime Minister stated that today he wanted to announce the government's commitment to alleviating the burden and hardship faced by citizens resulting from the conflict in the Middle East, a key global producer of oil and natural gas. This has caused rapid price increases for oil, natural gas, and related products like fertilizer and plastic pellets on the world market, impacting countries worldwide, including Thailand, which imports energy from the Middle East and other regions—particularly with about 50% of its oil imports coming from the Middle East.
The conflict continues to escalate, with intensified attacks on production sites, oil refineries, and transportation systems for oil and natural gas throughout the region. Even if the conflict ends in the future, restoring the infrastructure used for oil and natural gas production in this region to normal will take time. Therefore, energy prices and shortages of petrochemical products are expected to persist for some time.
An important fact the government must honestly share with the public is that despite every effort to secure natural fuel supplies, the volume of lost oil and gas from Middle Eastern sources makes it increasingly difficult to find alternatives elsewhere. The government is disclosing this fact to encourage public understanding and preparedness to adapt lifestyles to cope with the ongoing situation.
Anutin added that he and the new Cabinet affirm their dedication to working hard to solve problems, find ways to help, and protect the interests of all sectors of the public so everyone can get through this difficult period together. He urged the public to trust this government, which stands alongside the people and works for all, because it originates from the people.
. The government’s actions will include reducing public sector budgets to redirect funds to help mitigate impacts on citizens as a priority; restructuring energy prices, including oil and electricity, to lower energy costs for the public as soon as possible; and implementing relief measures to ease public hardship. For example, projects such as “Khon La Khrueng Plus” (Half-Half Plus). Provision of low-interest loans to farmers, industrial entrepreneurs of all types, and SMEs.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also emphasized that “We are facing a global crisis. We must accept reality and work together to overcome this crisis. National unity is our most important social asset at this time. I believe the cooperation of all citizens will help us get through this crisis and adapt to future changes. Currently, oil and industrial products may be scarce and costly at times. The government will manage the situation to minimize impacts on the public and will introduce relief measures to reduce hardship. Relevant ministers will keep the public informed.”
When asked about reducing refinery taxes and excise taxes, the Prime Minister said Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Aekniti Nitithanprapas is working on the matter, emphasizing that everything will become concrete, resolved, and implemented swiftly once the government presents its policy to Parliament.
Regarding whether the Prime Minister has used powers under the 1973 Emergency Decree on fuel shortage prevention, he responded that some powers might be used if necessary. He confirmed that the Ministry of Energy and Finance Minister have explained the need for such measures. If used, he is ready to take responsibility and act within his authority if it benefits and eases the burden on the public.
