PATTAYA, Thailand – The Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East held a press briefing on 31 March 2026, the Middle East situation, global situation, and Thailand’s assessment on oil supply risk.
Speaker
Natta Mahatthana
Spokesperson of the Joint Management and Monitoring Center for the Situation in the Middle East
Updates on the Middle East Situation and Global Fuel Supply Situation
The tensions remain high and continue to escalate with a new risk emerged at the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in the Red Sea, another critical route for global oil and cargo shipments. Thailand has successfully negotiated passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been working closely with the Ministry of Energy to negotiate and secure oil supplies from alternative sources.
Countries around the world have also introduced stronger measures to cope with the energy crisis.
Thailand’s Fuel Supply Situation Assessment
The Ministry of Energy has assessed the risks to oil supply in three levels:
– Level 1: Limited impact although maritime transportation may be delayed.
– Level 2: Closure of the Strait of Hormuz for more than one month, but crude oil imports remain possible and refineries can adjust operations.
– Level 3: The most severe scenario, where crude oil imports from the Middle East are completely halted and demand exceeds refinery production capacity.
Thailand is at Level 2.2 referring that crisis is unlikely to ease within one month and could either escalate or improve depending on developments in the conflict. The Government has already implemented Level 1 and Level 2 measures, including sourcing oil from alternative suppliers, increasing refinery output at all six domestic refineries to 109–110 percent of capacity, expanding the use of biofuel blends to reduce crude oil imports, restricting exports, and promoting work-from-home arrangements. Preparations for Level 3 contingency measures have also been completed.
Regarding the promotion of B20 diesel utilization, trucks and pickup trucks in Thailand supports the fuel type and B20 diesel in Thailand meets quality standards and does not harm engines if used in vehicles certified by manufacturers.
Thailand’s Product Supply Situation
The Ministry of Commerce has intensified inspections to ensure proper price labeling and prevent unjustified price increases. It will also launch the “Thai Help Thai” initiative offering promotional discounts on a wide range of consumer goods to help ease the burden on the public during this crisis. (PRD)
