BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered strict legal action against those involved in smuggling fuel to Cambodia following the discovery of an illegal cross-border network. The premier directed the formation of a task force to investigate and arrest those responsible, warning that such activities would be treated as a threat to national security.
The order comes as the government considers measures to ease the impact of rising fuel prices. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has called for a review of refining and marketing margins to help lower retail prices, with proposals set to be submitted to the Cabinet on April 6. The review includes reassessing cost calculations and setting appropriate margins.
Officials are also examining pricing components, including a war-related premium linked to tensions in the Middle East. Authorities said some costs currently included in fuel pricing may not fully align with actual supply conditions, as refineries source crude oil from multiple regions.
The Ministry of Energy reported that Thailand’s fuel reserves are sufficient for about 3 months of demand, with additional supplies being secured. Global oil prices remain volatile, while domestic diesel production continues to fall slightly short of consumption. The Oil Fuel Fund remains in deficit as subsidies are used to manage price pressures.
Separately, Bangchak Corporation has produced an initial batch of 35,000 liters of B20 diesel, which will be distributed through depots and made available at service stations within April for use in large diesel engines. (NNT)
