BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government sought to calm fears of fuel shortages, pointing to crude oil reserves covering at least 96 days of domestic demand.
Crisis talks at government center
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas addressed reporters after a meeting of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Middle East Situation, joined by senior energy officials and industry executives.
The discussions focused on the economic impact of heightened tensions in the Middle East and the resilience of Thailand’s gasoline and diesel supplies.
96 days of buffer – what the figures mean
The Department of Energy Business at the Energy Ministry stated that current crude reserves were sufficient to cover at least 96 days of domestic consumption.
This buffer was intended to shield the country from global supply disruptions, for example if transport routes were obstructed or import prices spiked temporarily.
Oil firms report adequate stocks – with local exceptions
Representatives of PTT, Bangchak, PT, Shell, Susco and Caltex said fuel stocks at service stations were generally adequate nationwide.
In some areas, however, there had briefly been queues and empty pumps after demand rose sharply, prompting companies to ramp up logistics and deliveries.
PTT diversifies import sources
Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO and president of PTT Public Company Limited, which said it handled around 60 percent of Thailand’s fuel supply, outlined the company’s risk diversification strategy.
PTT imported crude not only from a single region but also from the United States, West Africa and Latin America, aiming to reduce dependency and keep imports stable even during regional turbulence.
Unease in the south – trucks at the pumps
The Thai Chamber of Commerce reported concern among businesses, particularly in southern provinces, where crowds at filling stations had intensified.
A key issue there was that logistics trucks increasingly refueled at regular service stations instead of wholesale depots, putting additional pressure on public retail supplies and prompting authorities to consider targeted measures for more even distribution.
Appeal against hoarding – government warns of chain reaction
Ekniti stressed that there was no genuine fuel shortage and urged motorists not to refuel more than necessary or build up private stockpiles.
“Such behavior is what actually creates short-term local disruptions and makes a shortage appear greater than it really is in the national reserves.”
said Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister.