PATTAYA, Thailand – The Ministry of Energy clarified that the proposal to close petrol stations after 10:00 p.m. is only a contingency plan for extreme crises. He confirmed that all service stations nationwide are operating as usual and urges the public to disregard false reports of immediate closures.
This clarification follows the Ministry of Interior’s instructions for provincial governors to coordinate with local energy offices. These offices are collecting detailed data on private sector fuel needs, including diesel, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). The goal is to optimize resource planning and ensure uninterrupted regional economic activity.
Director-General of the Department of Energy Business Sarawut Kaewtathip stated that service station hour restrictions would only be imposed if regional instability in the Middle East severely compromised Thailand’s national fuel reserves. At present, Thailand has more than three months of fuel reserves, and the situation remains stable and under control.
The Ministry of Energy is working with provincial commerce offices to monitor the supply chain and prevent hoarding or price gouging. Officials are coordinating with fuel traders to expedite deliveries to affected areas. The public is advised to remain calm and avoid panic-buying or stockpiling, as the government continues to monitor the global situation to mitigate any potential impacts. (NNT)
