Bangkok: The Prime Minister warned that stockpiling oil at home is dangerous and urged the public to continue their lives as normal. The Prime Minister reiterated the 15-day price freeze on fuel, urging the public to continue their lives normally without worry, leaving it as the government's responsibility. He warned against stockpiling fuel at home, stating it could be dangerous and potentially flammable. He also indicated that if any gas station raises prices, people should fill up at PTT.
According to Thai News Agency, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul addressed reports of public concerns regarding the Middle East conflict and whether there was any stockpiling of fuel. He stated that the Ministry of Energy and he have confirmed that the price of diesel, a factor with both positive and negative impacts, will be frozen for at least 15 days. Therefore, there is no reason to stockpile. Regarding fuel and consumer goods prices, the Ministry of Commerce is closely monitoring the situation to prevent consumer exploitation. He emphasized that stockpiling fuel at home, which could be used as fuel or other substances, is dangerous and unnecessary.
When asked about some gas stations preemptively raising prices, the Prime Minister stated that the government had confirmed with PTT that they would not raise prices. Therefore, it is the public's right to raise prices. We will monitor who raises prices and take action if they violate the law. But today, we have a comparison. For example, if a gas station raises its prices but PTT doesn't, people can still fill up at PTT.
When asked about Shell's diesel price increase of 4 baht, the Prime Minister responded, "Hasn't it already gone down? Why do you keep bringing up things that have already happened? Why don't you tell them that they already lowered the price this morning?"
When asked about ways to alleviate public anxiety, the Prime Minister said that the government had done everything possible. Yesterday, concerns about commodity prices were addressed, and various measures were implemented. These included measures to stabilize fuel prices, a policy implemented by the Ministry of Energy to prevent hardship. The government is also fully assisting people in the Middle East facing difficulties. He added that the government is monitoring the situation with concern, as they are considered family members and can be worried about their hardship, but urged people not to panic. He emphasized that the government should handle any concerns or anxieties and encouraged people to continue their lives as normal.
When asked whether there would be another meeting on energy today, the Prime Minister said that a meeting had already been held. Regarding the request for an additional meeting, he said it might be a meeting of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, or the Ministry of Energy. He added that he had already given instructions and policies on how to alleviate the suffering of the people as much as possible.