BANGKOK, Thailand – The Department of Energy Business will implement temporary regulatory relief for strategic oil reserves to increase fuel availability in response to rising national demand.
Deputy Director-General of the Department of Energy Business Wutthitat Tantivess reported progress following field inspections and the introduction of measures to ensure an adequate public fuel supply.
After the energy crisis meeting chaired by the Prime Minister on March 19, 2026, the department is finalizing a temporary easing of mandatory oil reserve requirements. This measure will immediately increase fuel supply to meet higher consumption.
To expedite distribution, the government has coordinated with agencies to grant a 24-hour transport waiver for oil tankers nationwide throughout March. This allows continuous fuel replenishment at service stations. In addition, under Section 8 of the Fuel Trade Act, all oil traders must now publicly disclose selling prices and current inventory levels at refineries and storage depots to ensure market transparency.
Provincial Energy Offices have been directed to conduct on-site inspections of service stations nationwide. Any reported shortages must be immediately communicated to central command to enable rapid coordination with suppliers for urgent restocking. These efforts aim to stabilize the supply chain and maintain public confidence in fuel availability. (NNT)
