Bangkok: The government is taking a firm stance, cracking down on networks hoarding fuel and using strict legal measures after finding five fuel depots suspected of illegally hoarding fuel.
According to Thai News Agency, the Anutin government is taking serious action following the Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul's order to crack down on oil hoarding and smuggling. The government aims to enforce the law strictly to restore public confidence. A recent press conference, led by Minister of Justice Pol. Gen. Ruddhaphol Navarat, Minister of Energy Ekanat Promphan, Director-General of the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Pol. Col. Yutthana Praedam, and Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabutr, revealed the results of an investigation into the oil shortage during the Middle East crisis.
The investigation found irregularities in the oil distribution system from source to destination, particularly in oil depots and transportation. Five oil depots were discovered to be operating abnormally, with a combined capacity of approximately 46.7 million liters of oil per day, yet either not being released or being released at an unusually low rate. This behavior is contributing to the tight supply in the market. Key behaviors noted include depots with large oil capacities releasing below average amounts, trucks idling and waiting for higher prices to increase profits, and numerous irregularities in land transportation, such as over 600 trips without specified destinations and the disabling of GPS systems.
The DSI has upgraded the case to a special case and is preparing to summon more than 64 individuals involved for questioning next week. If any wrongdoing is found, legal action will be taken immediately. Additionally, a special task force has been established to conduct an in-depth investigation. If any further wrongdoing is discovered, the evidence will be compiled and submitted to the DSI for legal proceedings.