BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities are taking legal action against six domestic oil refineries and multiple major distributors following an investigation into alleged fuel hoarding and artificial supply delays that triggered a severe diesel shortage earlier this year. Minister of Justice Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthaphol Naowarat, Minister of Energy Akanat Promphan, and senior law enforcement officials announced the findings of a joint task force on Monday. The investigation revealed that the fuel crunch in March 2026—which coincided with heightened geopolitical conflicts in the Middle East—was exacerbated by domestic market manipulation rather than purely external supply shocks.
According to investigators, several “Section 7” major oil traders and fuel depots intentionally delayed distributions to retail stations to capitalize on rising global oil prices, despite holding adequate reserves. This artificial bottleneck caused widespread public disruption and resulted in a cumulative deficit of over 29.2 million liters of diesel, representing a 20.2% drop in the market supply during the crisis period. Legal proceedings are now being initiated against the depots and 23 specific fuel transport shipments on charges of withholding supply, while transport operators face additional charges over non-compliant shipping documentation.
The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) stated that the manipulation involves a complex, organized network with severe economic impacts. DSI Director-General Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam noted that the agency is currently processing four major cases, including fuel hoarding in Surat Thani province, fuel adulteration, and irregularities in maritime fuel transport from the eastern region to the south. Authorities recently raided seven fuel-related business sites and are analyzing financial records, inventory data, tax invoices, and surveillance footage to trace the logistics and identify additional accomplices.
While the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) has joined the government task force, officials noted that the offenses have not yet met the threshold for money laundering charges. However, assets will be seized immediately if criminal misconduct is proven during the ongoing investigation. Investigators added that no political figures have been linked to the network at this stage. (TNA)
