SURAT THANI, THAILAND – Thai authorities investigated the disappearance of 57 million litres of fuel that allegedly never reached onshore depots and was instead transferred at sea to smaller vessels.
57 million litres missing as sea transfers scrutinised
According to Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon Naowarat, 57 million litres of fuel that were due to arrive at depots in Surat Thani were instead transferred at sea from tankers to a fleet of smaller ships.
Investigations indicated that these smaller vessels made a total of 96 trips to move the fuel onwards. Officials had not yet identified those responsible for organising the transfers.
Probe focuses on suspected hoarding amid price surge
The minister spoke after a briefing with agencies examining suspected fuel hoarding as prices had risen sharply due to the war in the Middle East. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) led the inquiry into the allegations and the supply chains linked to the missing volumes.
Authorities were assessing how the unaccounted-for fuel might be connected to market behaviour during the recent price spike. The review covered both maritime movements and onshore storage.
Destinations traced but operators remain unknown
Pol Lt Gen Rutthapon said officials had already identified the various destinations to which the missing fuel had been sent. He did not disclose specific locations.
The people behind the operation, however, remained unclear. Investigators were still working to establish who controlled the shipments and ordered the transfers.
Unusual stockpiles at Surat Thani fuel traders
The justice minister said some fuel traders in Surat Thani received and stored unusually large quantities of fuel in March. Inspections found high stock levels at PC Siam Petroleum Co Ltd and several other fuel trading firms.
These findings prompted further checks on inventory records and delivery patterns. Authorities sought to determine whether the volumes were linked to the missing 57 million litres.
PC Siam Petroleum rejects allegations
PC Siam Petroleum held a press conference on Monday and denied any wrongdoing. The company rejected suspicion that it was involved in unlawful storage or other irregularities connected to the fuel in question.
“We categorically deny any misconduct or involvement in improper storage or irregularities related to these fuel stocks.”
said PC Siam Petroleum, without detailing further explanations in the source report.
Checks and naval patrols in Gulf of Thailand
Customs officials and police continued to inspect fuel stocks in Surat Thani on Monday. Authorities aimed to verify whether onshore inventories matched reported deliveries.
The Royal Thai Navy announced that ships from its 1st and 2nd Fleets would step up patrols in the Gulf of Thailand. The increased presence was intended to prevent any potential smuggling of fuel out of Thailand.