Bangkok: "Attaphol" has instructed refineries to enhance their production capacity to meet the demand during the Songkran holiday, emphasizing that there is no shortage of crude oil at the source. He noted that Russian crude oil is limited and would not be of much assistance, revealing that Thailand has secured an additional 2 million barrels of crude oil from Angola and over 600,000 barrels from the United States.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthapol Rerkpibul, Minister of Energy, addressed the nation's energy consumption issues after a Cabinet meeting. He assured that there is adequate crude oil supply from the source, with refineries operating at full capacity, but identified transportation as the primary issue.

Mr. Atthapol outlined contingency plans for energy consumption during the 2026 Songkran festival when many people travel back to their hometowns. He has instructed oil refineries to increase production capacity, with some even exceeding 100%, to ensure there is enough fuel supply. He urged the public not to fear a potential fuel shortage in Thailand, as transportation is the only issue, advising against hoarding fuel.

He further explained the negotiation process for purchasing crude oil from Russia, stating that oil trading in Thailand operates on a free market model where traders can negotiate purchases. This is facilitated by the Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT), the main domestic trader, and the price offered by Russia is a market price.

Mr. Atthapol also addressed the exemption granted by the United States allowing several countries to trade oil with Russia, stating it applies only to oil already loaded onto tankers. He noted that a 30-day period has been announced for such sales, but the payment system for these transactions still faces challenges. He confirmed that Thailand can procure crude oil from other sources, highlighting recent agreements that resulted in additional sales from Angola and the United States. Thus, he reiterated that Thailand has sufficient crude oil supply and refining capacity.

Regarding gas stations limiting fuel purchases to a maximum of 500 baht per transaction, Mr. Atthapol clarified that it is a matter of on-site management by gas station owners. He stated that the Ministry has not mandated a 500 baht limit due to inadequate fuel delivery schedules.