Bangkok: The Excise Department is actively working to prevent fuel shortages during the upcoming Songkran festival by intensifying inspections of gas stations, monitoring fuel levels, and preventing hoarding.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Pornchai Theeravech, Director-General of the Excise Department, stated that the department is supporting measures to address and prevent fuel shortages during the Songkran festival, in line with government policy. This involves coordinated efforts by relevant agencies to oversee, procure, and distribute fuel efficiently and comprehensively, facilitating public travel from April 6-17, 2026, a period marked by high travel volume. The department is integrating fuel inventory data and supporting on-site inspections of gas stations along major routes nationwide, as well as fuel depots, to ensure adequate fuel reserves, proper distribution, and continuous service for the public.
In addition, the Excise Department has initiated proactive operations by deploying inspection teams to support the inspection of fuel depots and gas stations across the country. Their primary missions include assisting relevant agencies in conducting on-site inspections of fuel depots and gas stations to ensure legal compliance; verifying fuel quantities and sales in each area; closely monitoring the situation; preventing and suppressing hoarding or opportunistic behavior; and providing information to relevant agencies to enable quick and effective problem resolution. These measures are focused on monitoring high-risk areas and major routes nationwide to mitigate the risk of fuel shortages during travel.
The Director-General emphasized that, amidst the volatile oil price situation and increased demand during the festive season, the Excise Department is committed to ensuring that the public has equitable access to fuel. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation and report progress regularly to enable timely management, while also fully cooperating with all sectors to build public confidence in the sufficiency of fuel supply and to take action against those who hoard or exploit the public's hardship.