Bangchak has publicly clarified that the oil refinery group did not intend to hoard fuel recently, attributing the document discrepancies to minor data entry errors following news that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) is preparing to take legal action against refineries. Meanwhile, Thai Oil issued a statement affirming cooperation and confidence that the government’s investigation will proceed based on facts and fairness.
Mr. Chaiwat Kowawisarach, CEO of Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, explained that the issue involves only errors in filling out report forms, where some traders submitted inaccurate information. According to reporting regulations, errors are subject to legal penalties, but this is not fuel hoarding or a serious offense. The Department of Energy Business has indicated that previously there was no requirement to report such detailed information, which may have led to these business-related errors.
Mr. Sarawut Kaewtatip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, said the next step is to wait for the DSI to complete its investigation before the department can decide on further actions.
Reporters noted that the refineries under investigation include Thai Oil Public Company Limited, PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited, IRPC Public Company Limited, Bangchak Corporation Public Company Limited, Sriracha Public Company Limited, and Star Petroleum Refining Public Company Limited.
This case arose after the DSI announced it is investigating alleged fuel hoarding based on irregularities in 166 marine fuel transport documents from six refineries, following a complaint from the Department of Energy Business. The documents, dated between March and April, lacked key details such as issue dates, transport document numbers, and travel dates, raising concerns about incomplete data and the risk of document reuse. These actions do not meet the criteria for fuel hoarding charges but violate the Fuel Trade Act of 2000, punishable by up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 200,000 baht. Each document is considered a separate offense subject to investigation.
PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) issued a statement affirming that as a fuel trader under Section 7, it operates only a refinery selling finished fuel onsite, with no gas stations or transportation systems in its supply chain. The company has fully cooperated with government authorities during inspections, providing information and complying strictly with government policies and relevant laws throughout. During the Middle East crisis, the company continuously produced and sold products to customers to help maintain the country’s energy stability and security.
The refinery’s operations include industry-standard control, inspection, and recording systems for fuel inflow and outflow. The company has refined and delivered fuel as planned, disclosing relevant information to government agencies. It has also ensured that transport documents comply with applicable laws to confirm no involvement in hoarding or delaying fuel sales. The company reaffirmed adherence to good governance principles and readiness to coordinate and provide further information to authorities to build public confidence.
IRPC Public Company Limited issued a statement regarding the government’s investigation into fuel management during the recent crisis, confirming full cooperation with relevant agencies by providing information, documents, and statistical data to support a transparent and fair fact-finding process. It affirmed that refinery operations follow control, inspection, and recording systems for fuel receipt and delivery according to international standards, allowing transparent audits. The company continued producing and delivering fuel from storage in line with domestic demand during that period.
The company places the highest importance on good governance, transparency, and accountability to all stakeholders, cooperating continuously with the Ministry of Energy, the Department of Special Investigation, and relevant agencies to support clear fact-finding and maintain public trust.
Thai Oil Public Company Limited, as a major oil refinery operator in Thailand, issued a statement clarifying the investigation into severe fuel shortages at service stations during the Middle East war crisis.
Following government announcements on measures to monitor fuel allocation and transportation during the crisis, the company confirmed full cooperation with authorities by allowing inspections and providing data, documents, and relevant details to support the investigation process according to official procedures.
Therefore, the company affirms that refinery operations have strict control, monitoring, and recording systems for fuel production, storage, and delivery according to applicable standards. It emphasizes conducting business transparently, carefully, and under principles of good governance and corporate oversight. During the crisis, the company continued producing and delivering fuel to meet national energy needs and support energy stability for the public and economy. The company remains committed to its mission to enhance national energy security and will continue cooperating with the Ministry of Energy, the Department of Special Investigation, the Royal Thai Police, and related agencies, confident that the government’s investigation will proceed fairly, based on facts, and with the country’s and public’s best interests in mind.