BANGKOK: Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered emergency measures on the fuel crisis amid reports of panic buying in several provinces.
“Strict enforcement measures will be applied against profiteering, hoarding, overpricing and other illegal activities,” he told reporters after chairing a meeting with provincial governors and officials of the interior ministry.
Anutin, who is also interior minister, instructed provincial governors and district chiefs to take immediate action upon detecting any irregularities.
A check at a petrol station today showed Gasohol 95 at 41.05 baht (RM5) per litre, Gasohol 91 at 40.68 baht (RM4.96), and Diesel B7 at 38.94 baht (RM4.75) per litre.
Anutin said Thailand’s normal daily fuel demand was about 67 million litres, while domestic refineries can produce approximately 77 million litres per day. “However, due to the current situation, demand has surged to 87 million litres per day, far exceeding domestic production capacity,” he said.
The government has lifted price controls and adjusted fuel prices in line with market mechanisms, in order to prevent shortages and ensure adequate distribution across all regions.
On Thursday, fuel prices across all types in Thailand increased by 6 baht (RM0.73) per litre following a reduction in subsidies.
