Government Ensures Fuel Supply for Songkran Holiday
The government has assured the public that there are enough fuel supplies to meet demand during the upcoming Songkran holiday. Authorities have stepped up nationwide distribution and monitoring efforts to address concerns about possible shortages.
Rachada Dhnadirek, an assistant to a minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, stated on Sunday that the government is aware of public anxiety regarding fuel access, especially during peak travel periods. She emphasized that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has been closely overseeing the situation and has implemented proactive measures to ensure smooth fuel distribution.
One of these measures involves increasing the daily supply of about 7 million liters of fuel to wholesale distributors, or jobbers, to reduce congestion at petrol stations. Additionally, operators have been instructed to increase their reserves and prepare standby fuel trucks in high-demand areas. Special refueling points are also being arranged for public transport vehicles in collaboration with the Interior and Transport ministries.
To improve flexibility, the government has temporarily reduced the mandatory fuel reserve requirements from 3% to 1%. This adjustment allows for faster imports of refined oil. The public can now check real-time fuel availability across the country using the Fuel-Now application or its website.
In response to uncertainties caused by the war in the Middle East, authorities are diversifying crude and refined fuel imports. The Energy and Foreign Affairs ministries are working together through diplomatic and trade channels to secure supplies from multiple producers, including Brazil, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria. Thai refineries are assessing the suitability of these sources.
Fuel shipments have been scheduled to ensure a continuous supply. Over 36 million barrels of oil are expected to arrive in Thai waters by May, with more than 24 million barrels arriving in April alone—when travel demand peaks—and an additional 8.96 million barrels in May.
“The volumes are sufficient to meet national demand, with additional imports planned in line with consumption trends,” Rachada said.
To gain firsthand insight into the situation, Mr. Anutin conducted an unannounced visit to a petrol station in Nakhon Phanom. He directed local authorities to ensure fuel availability throughout the holiday period. Officials reported that the situation in the northeastern province has improved, with fuel stations operating normally and no long queues reported, indicating that supply distribution measures are effective.
Chatchai Khunlohit, deputy director-general of the Department of Energy Business, reported stable fuel production and consumption. Diesel output averaged 82.21 million liters per day, with domestic use at 82.99 million liters, alongside 4.43 million liters in exports. Combined demand reached 87.42 million liters per day, while petrol output stood at 34.4 million liters, with total demand at 36.09 million liters.
Diesel consumption has increased from about 70 million liters per day earlier this year, reflecting stronger economic activity and travel.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), in collaboration with the Department of Energy Business, police, and local authorities, inspected fuel traders nationwide on March 24-25. In Saraburi, officials uncovered three sites illegally storing and selling a combined 31,299 liters of diesel and petrol without licenses, leading to legal action.
