Phuket Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn has ordered provincial agencies to closely monitor the local energy situation and commodity prices to ensure adequate supplies and prevent price manipulation.
At a meeting held yesterday (Mar 16), Vice Governor Teeraphong Chuaychoo met with representatives from the Phuket Provincial Energy Office, the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office, the Phuket Provincial Public Relations Office and local administrative organisations to coordinate measures and review the potential impact of the conflict.
Officials are also conducting field inspections to monitor fuel supplies and commodity prices across the province.
Mr Theerapong said the province is accelerating measures to manage both energy and consumer goods supplies while gathering data on oil consumption in Phuket.
The survey categorises fuel use across several sectors, including transportation, tourism, fishing, government operations and general public consumption. The data will be reported to the central government to help prepare plans to allocate sufficient fuel to Phuket if global supplies tighten.
Authorities have also introduced energy conservation measures, particularly within government agencies.
Officials have been asked to prioritise online meetings where possible to reduce travel and fuel consumption. Agencies are also being encouraged to use energy-efficient vehicles and reduce reliance on large, fuel-intensive vehicles.
The province is also supporting the expansion of agricultural and local product markets, a move aimed at reducing transportation costs and helping control the cost of living for residents.
In the tourism and maritime sectors, the Marine Department and related agencies have been tasked with reviewing vessel schedules and fuel usage in order to better manage fuel consumption.
At the same time, contingency plans are being prepared to ensure that fuel reserves are maintained for critical operations, including medical services, emergency rescue missions and security operations.
Phuket Provincial Energy Officer Rattakorn Klinchan said the current fuel supply situation in Phuket remains stable.
“At present, fuel supplies are sufficient and there is no shortage,” he said.
However, Mr Rattakorn noted that public concern following news of the Middle East conflict initially prompted some residents to purchase more fuel than usual, which in some cases led to temporary delays in fuel transportation.
Meanwhile, Phuket Provincial Commerce Officer Waranit Apiratjirawong said inspections of petrol stations across the province found that major fuel brands were continuing to sell at normal prices.
Stations operated by major companies such as PTT, Bangchak and Caltex are maintaining standard pricing under government oversight measures, she said.
Smaller independent stations may charge slightly higher prices due to differences in fuel procurement and transportation costs, but the increases remain within normal levels compared with prices before the conflict, she added.
The Commerce Office is also monitoring the prices of consumer goods to ensure that businesses do not take advantage of the situation.
Ms Waranit said inspections so far have found no evidence of price increases for consumer products in Phuket, despite the upward trend in global energy prices.
Officials will continue to carry out regular checks and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found overcharging or hoarding goods.
Members of the public can report suspected price manipulation through the national consumer protection hotline 1569 or directly to the Phuket Provincial Commerce Office.
Violations can carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to B140,000, or both.
Mueang Phuket District Chief Pairoj Srilamun said the government is closely monitoring the global situation, noting that the Middle East conflict has already affected energy markets and supply chains in many countries.
He said price control measures are currently in place, particularly for fuel, but warned that prolonged instability could eventually affect energy prices in Thailand.
Officials therefore called on residents and businesses to help reduce potential impacts by conserving both fuel and electricity.
Authorities are urging the public to limit unnecessary travel and use energy more efficiently in order to strengthen the country’s overall energy security should the international situation worsen.