The inspections were carried out by the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office, working together with the Weights and Measures Department, following reports that several petrol stations in Mueang District had run out of certain fuel products, namely Gasohol 95.
The inspections followed residents across Phuket rushing to fill their tanks on Tuesday (Mar 3) after the Prime Minister revealed that Thailand’s oil reserves would last about 60 days if no new supplies were secured, sparking fears of potential shortages amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Phuket Provincial Commerce Office Chief Waranit Apiratjirawong assigned Supansa Chuaychana, head of the Economic and Trade Regulation and Development Group, to lead the inspection team, accompanied by officials from the Weights and Measures Department Region 3-3 Phuket Branch.
Initial checks found that Shell and Caltex stations in the district continued selling all fuel types as normal. However, some branches of PTT and Bangchak had temporarily run out of different fuels, including Gasohol 95, Gasohol 91, E20 and diesel.
Station operators told officials they were awaiting new fuel deliveries to replenish stocks and return supplies to normal levels.
During the inspections, authorities also checked whether petrol stations were complying with price display regulations.
Officials confirmed that all stations inspected were clearly displaying retail prices both at the station entrance and at the pumps, and the overall atmosphere remained orderly. No evidence of fuel hoarding by operators was found.
Ms Supansa emphasised to station operators that they must strictly refrain from taking advantage of the situation by increasing prices.
Operators were also instructed to comply fully with Central Committee on Prices of Goods and Services (CCPG) Announcement No. 68 of 2025, which requires clear and accurate display of retail prices to ensure fairness for consumers.
WARNINGS
Sarawut Kaewtathip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB), said Thailand’s fuel reserves remain sufficient despite international concerns linked to unrest in the Middle East.
He warned that stockpiling large amounts of fuel could violate the law and create safety risks if fuel is stored improperly.
The DOEB advised motorists to refuel vehicles as needed but not to bring containers to fill at petrol stations.
However, exceptions may apply for farmers and other workers who require fuel for occupational use, provided the refuelling is properly managed by petrol station operators.
The department said it is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with fuel retailers to ensure supplies are distributed quickly and continuously to meet public demand.
Sarawut also urged the public to use fuel only as necessary and avoid hoarding, which he said would help reduce pressure on imports and support stable energy prices.
Separately, the government has warned businesses nationwide against taking advantage of the situation by raising prices unjustifiably.
Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, said authorities are closely monitoring the situation and ensuring that essential goods remain available.
Businesses must clearly display prices and comply with the Price Control Act B.E. 2542 (1999), she said.
Violations such as unjustified price increases or hoarding goods carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B140,000, or both.
Ms Airin urged the public not to panic, noting that checks by the Ministry of Commerce have found consumer goods remain in adequate supply and there is currently no justification for price increases.
Members of the public who witness unfair pricing, failure to display price tags, or hoarding can report the issue to the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 or through provincial commerce offices nationwide.
REASSURANCE
Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul also sought to reassure the public, confirming that diesel prices will be frozen for at least 15 days.
He urged motorists not to hoard fuel unnecessarily and warned that storing fuel at home could be dangerous.
Anutin said the government had also received confirmation from PTT Public Company Limited that no price increases were planned.
If any petrol station illegally raises prices, relevant authorities will take legal action, he said.
The Prime Minister added that reports of higher prices at a Shell petrol station had already been addressed, with the operator reducing prices again earlier in the day.
At the national level, the Ministry of Interior has ordered provincial authorities across the country to implement three key measures to manage the situation.
Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Interior Arsit Sampanrat said governors have been instructed to monitor and control prices of consumer goods and energy, raise public awareness to prevent panic buying, and ensure government agencies strictly follow national measures.
He also ordered the activation of Provincial and District Damrongtham complaint centres to receive reports from members of the public affected by the situation.
Officials said the measures are intended to maintain public confidence, stabilise the cost of living and ensure fair pricing during the current period of international uncertainty.
See also:
Phuket splashing B100mn a day on fuel, with most burned in traffic