Bangkok: Dr. Warong Dechgitvigrom, a member of the Thai Bhakdi Party, has revealed that between 635 and 727 million liters of diesel have disappeared from the system, pointing to corruption within the government. During a parliamentary session, Dr. Warong criticized the government's handling of the oil supply, highlighting the high price of diesel as a result of a severe shortage, which he likened to theft of national resources.

According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Warong presented data showing that the government raised oil prices eight times, resulting in a total increase of 20.60 baht. Despite subsequent reductions following meetings of the Oil and Gas Management Committee and the Energy Policy and Planning Committee, he argued that these actions were unfair to the public. He emphasized the need for transparency in the oil supply chain, from crude oil to refineries, and finally to consumers. Dr. Warong pointed out that 57 million liters of oil transported from refineries to major retailers have vanished, urging the government to investigate the recipients of these shipments.

Despite the government's assumption that the fuel shortage was due to public hoarding, Dr. Warong argued that the real issue lies in mismanagement and corruption. He criticized the government's measures, which included allowing fuel trucks to operate 24 hours, canceling fuel reserves, and inspecting major fuel depots, none of which found irregularities. Dr. Warong cited reports from various provinces indicating that gas stations received only half their usual supply, causing a widespread fuel shortage.

Dr. Warong also refuted claims by the National Economic and Social Development Council that reduced oil consumption was due to conservation efforts. He proposed two hypotheses for the missing fuel: a surplus release from depots in March resulting in a daily loss of over 25 million liters, and an increase in average fuel consumption combined with reduced distribution, leading to an estimated loss of 727.654 million liters.

Dr. Warong concluded by accusing the government of allowing corruption within the oil industry, comparing the situation to a previous rice pledging scheme he had criticized. He urged the government to investigate the six major refineries and distribution depots to uncover the culprits responsible for the fake diesel reaching gas stations.