Thai PM Anutin Blames Traders for Fuel Shortage Crisis

On Friday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul criticized oil traders for hoarding and smuggling fuel, which he claims has caused a nationwide fuel shortage and driven prices steadily higher. He noted that the government has identified cases of fuel stockpiling and smuggling to neighboring countries, with the situation costing the government approximately 50 billion baht (about 1.4 billion USD).

Anutin highlighted that the rise in oil prices during the global energy crisis has been a major factor contributing to the fuel shortage observed in recent weeks. He pointed out that there is evidence of profit hoarding among large and medium-sized oil traders, with reports indicating that 57 million liters of fuel went missing during sea transport in southern Thailand.

The Minister of Justice, Rutthaphon Naowarat, has initiated a special investigation into these allegations. The fuel price hike, which began in late March and early April, has reached record highs, with unleaded gasoline priced at 57.51 baht (1.76 USD) per liter and diesel at 47.74 baht (1.46 USD).