Bangkok: January 68 saw a 2.8% rise in oil consumption, reaching over 157.56 million liters per day, fueled by the resurgence of tourism and targeted economic stimulus initiatives.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Sarawut Kaewtatip, the Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, reported that the increase in oil consumption was largely attributed to the revival of the tourism and service sectors, alongside economic measures promoting growth. Diesel fuel usage at gas stations rose by 0.4%, commercial aviation fuel (Jet A1) soared by 21%, and LPG usage increased by 2.9%. However, gasoline consumption declined by 3.0%, with fuel oil usage climbing by 3.7% and NGV usage dropping by 15.3%. Consumers showed a preference for Gasohol 95, largely due to its engine efficiency and competitive pricing compared to Gasohol 91.
Diesel consumption at service stations averaged 68.16 million liters per day, marking a 0.4% increase. Factors contributing to this rise included economic stimulus measures, tourism recovery, and export growth. The Department of Energy Business has also adjusted biodiesel blending proportions to B5 diesel, influenced by high palm fruit and crude palm oil prices. Regular diesel usage climbed to 68.03 million liters per day, while B20 diesel saw a decline.
Commercial aviation fuel consumption averaged 19.81 million liters per day, reflecting a 21% increase, buoyed by tourism and service sector expansion. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports noted a 22.2% rise in foreign tourists during January 2025, further boosting aviation fuel demand alongside expanding air cargo transportation.
LPG usage averaged 16.66 million kg per day, up 2.9%, with increases observed in household, petrochemical, transportation, and industrial sectors. In contrast, NGV usage fell by 15.3%, following a decline in registered NGV vehicles and service stations. PTT continues to stabilize prices for taxi and public bus groups through privilege card programs.
Fuel oil imports grew by 7.6% to an average of 1,126,251 barrels per day, valued at 94,549 million baht per month. Crude oil imports rose by 11.1%, while refined oil imports saw a decline. Conversely, refined oil exports decreased by 8.0%, with gasoline, diesel, fuel oil, aviation fuel, and LPG contributing to a total export value of 13,819 million baht per month.
