Bangkok: "Attawich" has officially reported to the Parliament as a Member of Parliament, addressing the ongoing diesel shortage at gas stations. Mr. Atthawich Suwannaphakdee, a party-list MP from the Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party, has taken over the parliamentary seat following the resignation of Mr. Peerapan Salirathavipak.

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Atthawich highlighted that the diesel shortage is primarily caused by refineries opting to sell to large customers at wholesale prices, which are higher than the pump prices. This practice has left smaller gas stations struggling with limited supplies, despite sufficient crude oil reserves in the country. He proposed that the government utilize the emergency decree on oil shortages to freeze prices without compensation to manage this issue effectively.

Mr. Atthawich explained that refineries prioritize sales to industrial plants or jobbers that can afford the higher wholesale prices, leaving small, private gas stations or dealer stations with reduced quotas. He noted that stations operated by PTT do not face such shortages due to clearly defined quotas, whereas franchise stations experience reduced allocations as refineries seek better profit margins elsewhere.

He emphasized the potential of the Emergency Decree on the Prevention and Suppression of Fuel Shortages, B.E. 2516 (1973), which grants the government authority to manage fuel crises. However, he pointed out that the government has only partially utilized this law, mainly by prohibiting oil exports. He suggested that the Oil Fund could be used to stabilize prices without compensation, as the current oil in circulation is old stock.

Mr. Atthawich also noted the challenges posed by the caretaker government period, with restrictions on borrowing and guarantees due to the Election Commission's involvement. This has created a management vacuum, with the Ministry of Energy treating the issue as a normal fluctuation rather than a crisis. The public is advised to await the actions of the upcoming cabinet ministers to address the situation effectively.