BANGKOK, Thailand: Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered emergency measures to address the fuel crisis amid reports of panic buying in several provinces.
Anutin, who is also Interior Minister, has instructed provincial governors and district chiefs to closely monitor the situation and take immediate action upon detecting any irregularities.
“Strict enforcement measures will be applied against profiteering, hoarding, overpricing and other illegal activities,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting with officials from Interior Ministry and provincial governors recently.
He stressed the importance of effective communication, urging all agencies at every level to provide accurate and continuous information to the public, as well as to promote energy conservation.
Anutin explained that under normal conditions, Thailand’s daily fuel demand stands at around 67 million litres, while domestic refineries can produce approximately 77 million litres per day – indicating sufficient supply.
“However, due to the current situation, demand has surged to 87 million litres per day, far exceeding domestic production capacity,” he said.
This, he added, was a key reason the government had lifted price controls and adjusted fuel prices in line with market mechanisms, in order to prevent shortages and ensure adequate distribution across all regions.
“The government’s duty is to ensure stability and minimise the impact as much as possible, focusing on three key objectives: maintaining energy security, managing the prices of goods, and implementing fiscal measures to ease the burden on the public and businesses,” he said.
On Thursday, fuel prices across all types in Thailand increased by 6 baht (RM0.73) per litre following a reduction in subsidies.
A check at a Bangchak Corporation petrol station on Friday showed Gasohol 95 priced at 41.05 baht (RM5.00) per litre, Gasohol 91 at 40.68 baht (RM4.96), and Diesel B7 at 38.94 baht (RM4.75) per litre. – BERNAMA
