BANGKOK, Thailand – Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has affirmed that Thailand has sufficient crude oil supplies to meet domestic demand, seeking to reassure the public amid global energy concerns.
According to Auttapol, crude imports are being sourced from multiple regions, including the United States, Malaysia, Brazil, Indonesia, Australia, Brunei, and Libya. Between March 1 and 18, total imports reached about 3.3 billion liters, while domestic diesel refining capacity stands at around 77 million liters per day.
The energy minister also said that all fuel released from refineries to traders is subject to excise tax and is supported by the Oil Fuel Fund on a per-liter basis. Differences in distribution practices are linked to varying business models and contractual arrangements among fuel traders.
Auttpol added that the Oil Fuel Fund remains financially stable, with more than 20 billion baht in reserves after recent disbursements of about 2 billion baht. Compensation to traders is paid in cycles rather than daily, with the next round scheduled for mid-month, as authorities continue monitoring the situation. (NNT)
