Thailand Assures Ample Oil Supply and Regulatory Advances for Market Transparency
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bangkok, March 23 (NationPress) The Thai government has confirmed that the nation possesses ample oil reserves capable of meeting demand for up to 103 days, while implementing new regulatory measures aimed at increasing market transparency.
Sarawut Kaewtatip, the director-general of the Department of Energy Business, stated on Sunday that Thailand's oil reserves are in a healthy state, with levels sufficient to last approximately 103 days as supply exceeds the usual demand.
Currently, Thailand produces around 35.28 million litres of gasoline daily, closely aligned with a consumption rate of 34.41 million litres. For diesel, production stands at about 79.91 million litres per day, comfortably satisfying domestic needs, which average between 67 to 70 million litres daily.
To address temporary distribution issues in certain regions caused by a spike in consumption, the government has permitted 24-hour fuel transportation across the country and expedited distribution efforts, he noted.
The situation is projected to stabilize within a week or two, while investigations into fuel transport irregularities are ongoing, he added.
In addition, authorities have ramped up inspections to curb hoarding and unwarranted price hikes, as reported by Yanee Srimanee, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade. A total of 2,321 inspections have been conducted nationwide, leading to the identification of some violations and subsequent legal action.
Moreover, the Department of Energy Business has partnered with the private sector to introduce the "Pump Radar" application, which enables the public to monitor fuel availability in real-time, according to the Xinhua news agency.
Earlier on March 19, Thai Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul stated that there are currently no oil shortages in Thailand, with crude oil imports proceeding as usual and oil production capacity remaining stable without any reductions.
Anutin made these comments during a meeting at the Joint Management and Monitoring Centre regarding the situation in the Middle East, amidst reports of long queues at petrol stations across Thailand in recent days.