Bangkok: The Secretary-General of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) expects the oil to be distributed to distributors within 1-2 days.
According to Thai News Agency, the Secretary-General confirmed that the two major gas stations are proceeding with increasing their refining and distribution of oil to full capacity. Thailand still needs to export oil to Laos and Myanmar because they supply electricity back to Thailand, but there will be no exports to any third country.
Mr. Danucha Pichayanant, Secretary-General of the NESDC, discussed the overall domestic oil situation, stating that he had inquired with PTT Public Company Limited and Bangchak Corporation. Both companies have increased their oil refining capacity by 9%, and PTT has refined more diesel to meet public demand. Both companies have also seen increased sales; for example, PTT OR has increased gasoline sales by 25% and diesel sales by 35%.
Mr. Danucha stated that the government's measures to distribute more fuel to workers aim to reduce the number of industrial workers refueling at gas stations and ensure sufficient fuel supply for the public. Currently, refinery groups such as Thai Oil, GC, IRPC, and Bangchak have increased fuel deliveries to workers following the government's relaxation of fuel storage regulations. However, it takes 1-2 days to distribute the fuel. At the same time, everyone must help conserve energy.
Regarding the dashboard displaying data, including oil quantities from refineries to oil dealers and retailers, Mr. Danucha mentioned the dashboard should be accessible around this evening or tomorrow. By retrieving data from dealers, it will help monitor and regulate quantities and prevent hoarding.
Regarding the Prime Minister's order to various provinces, provincial teams, in conjunction with the Department of Energy Business, are inspecting all gas stations to prevent hoarding.
Mr. Danucha clarified the situation regarding oil shipments to neighboring countries, confirming that there is definitely no shipment to a third country. Thailand limits oil shipments to Laos and Myanmar only, with a maximum volume of 5 million liters per day, of which over 4 million liters per day is sent to Laos due to ongoing electricity ties and anticipated LNG price increases.
Myanmar sent over 300,000 liters because it is needed for natural gas drilling platforms and will be sent to the Ratchaburi power plant to generate electricity for central and southern regions.
Mr. Danucha emphasized that the situation remains uncertain. The government is doing everything it can, including easing restrictions on oil reserves. He requested public cooperation in reducing panic and conserving fuel, as oil production from five refineries is being expanded to 175 million liters per day, with a maximum expansion of no more than 10% from now on.