Bangkok: Energy Minister Ekanat Promphan is pushing for a comprehensive restructuring of the country's electricity and oil infrastructure to support solar power and Direct Power Purchase Agreements (DPPAs) for the public. He emphasizes the government's preparedness to manage all situations, while urging the public to use energy economically and efficiently.

According to Thai News Agency, Ekanat addressed the nation, highlighting the ongoing energy crisis that adversely affects people's lives. He revealed that prior to assuming office, he had devised plans to reform the energy structure to bolster the national economy. Once in office, he immediately prioritized tackling public energy pricing issues. Utilizing insights from the Committee on the Appropriateness of Fuel Price Determination (CTRP), Ekanat discovered irregularities in refinery price calculations, leading to excessive profits. Consequently, he mandated refineries to share the burden with the public, resulting in a reduction of refinery prices-an unprecedented move in the country. He also announced plans to investigate April's refining margins to further reduce fuel prices, opting to use the Fuel Fund to address the crisis instead of reducing excise taxes, which he considers a last resort due to their importance in maintaining fiscal stability.

The Fuel Fund's management will be handled with caution, ensuring that its primary objective of alleviating public suffering is met. The compensation criteria will be adjusted appropriately, and the fund's operations will remain transparent to prevent excessive control.

Ekanat has instructed the Department of Energy Business to monitor data from refineries to service stations to prevent exploitation of the public. For long-term solutions, he advocates for national reserves and promoting biofuels, which, despite being potentially more costly, could benefit farmers.

In terms of electricity, despite domestic generation accounting for over 50%, reliance on imported LNG affects prices. To effectively assist the public, the Ministry of Energy is considering a tiered electricity tariff system: "pay less for less consumption, pay more for higher consumption." The ministry also aims to promote solar panel installation by removing obstacles, providing low-interest loans, and allowing consumers to sell electricity back to the grid. Additionally, it will encourage industries to adopt clean electricity through DPPAs.

Ekanat assured that the government will regulate the private sector to protect public interests, ensuring no favoritism towards capitalists. He confirmed the steady import of crude oil and the government's readiness to handle any situation, urging public cooperation in adopting economical and efficient energy consumption habits amidst ongoing Middle East conflicts.