Bangkok: The government is working with the private sector to manage oil warehousing, transportation, and stockpiling as dealers report substantial financial losses due to excess oil stock.
According to Thai News Agency, dealers have been incurring losses of hundreds of thousands of baht per gas station following a sharp price reduction mandated by the National Fuel Policy Committee (NFPC).
The collaboration between the government and private sector aims to tackle challenges in fuel management, transportation, and stockpiling services. The NFPC's decision to reduce prices has led to significant stockpiled fuel losses. Civil society organizations are demanding further price cuts and have organized a rally set for April 16. Meanwhile, the Department of Energy is promoting the use of the "Fuel-Now" app to facilitate real-time fuel status updates and reporting.
The Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has initiated a coordination center to address potential fuel shortages stemming from the conflict in the Middle East during the Songkran festival, taking place from April 11-15, 2026. Mr. Chatchai Khunlohit, Deputy Director-General of the DOEB, is overseeing the center's operations. This initiative aims to monitor the situation and coordinate solutions if shortages arise, with a hotline available for the public to report issues.
Additionally, the Department of Energy (DOE) is enhancing its "Fuel-Now" web application, launched in late March, alongside the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society and the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA). Over 7,000 gas stations nationwide are currently providing fuel status updates through the system. Provincial energy offices are expediting training for gas station staff to improve real-time fuel status reporting capabilities. This system allows for direct peer-to-peer reporting, enabling customers to verify or report fuel status on-site, aiding in accurate and timely travel planning.
Gas station dealers expressed concerns over the Fuel Fund Management Committee's (FFMC) recent price reduction decision, effective April 11, which, despite benefiting consumers, adversely affected their operations. Dealers had stocked up on fuel at pre-reduction prices, resulting in substantial losses when prices dropped by 1-6 baht per liter. This situation could potentially lead to liquidity issues and hesitancy in ordering fuel for the Songkran holiday, risking further shortages.
The Fuel Price Control Committee announced the price cut at 8:00 PM on April 10, utilizing the fuel fund mechanism to adjust oil prices, prompted by a downturn in the Singapore market reference price amid US-Iran peace negotiation expectations.
Consumer advocacy groups, including the Consumer Council, Thai Energy Reform Network, and the Guardians of the Nation Foundation, have criticized high oil marketing margins following global price drops. They are urging the Ministry of Energy to investigate and further reduce oil prices. These groups plan to submit a formal request for fair energy prices on April 16, 2026, at the Ministry of Energy.