Bangkok: Dr. Warong has called on Mr. Pipat to address the issue of missing diesel oil in a parliamentary forum, highlighting the disappearance of 600-700 million liters of diesel as reported by the Department of Energy Business. This situation, he claims, amounts to national plundering and misappropriation of state resources. Dr. Warong raised concerns about potential "fake oil" supplied by refineries due to the absence of irregularities in the warehouses. He warned that without adequate clarification, the minister could face imprisonment. He also suggested that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) should focus on examining refineries, warehouses, and gas stations rather than relying on vehicle GPS checks to mislead the public. Furthermore, he opposed the imposition of specific opening and closing times for gas stations.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Worawut Dechgitvigrom, a Member of Parliament and leader of the Thai Bhakdi Party, provided further insights into the oil situation, emphasizing that the problem is not solely about elevated prices but also involves the mysterious disappearance of diesel. He described this as a form of national corruption amidst a crisis impacting the public. Citing official data from the Department of Energy Business, he detailed the distribution of oil to gas stations nationwide, clarifying that his previous statements focused specifically on figures sent to gas stations across the country. Analysis of data from mid-March to the end of March suggests that 600-700 million liters of diesel have vanished from the system, representing a significant misappropriation of national resources.
Dr. Warong called on Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, to clarify these issues in Parliament. He pointed out that despite expecting an explanation, Mr. Pipat's absence reinforced the belief in the accuracy of the missing fuel figures. He noted that the fuel delivered to gas stations in mid-March totaled 70 million liters, contrasted with 51 million liters in January. He explained that despite no inconvenience to the public, daily deliveries of 10-20 million liters from mid-March to the end of March limited customers, with some only able to purchase fuel worth 500 or 1,000 baht.
Dr. Warong referenced the latest data from the Department of Energy Business, indicating that 37.5 million liters of diesel were delivered to gas stations on April 5th, followed by 46 million liters on April 6th, and 42 million liters on April 7th. He emphasized that from mid-March to the end of March, there was a reported shortage exceeding 70 million liters, further supporting the credibility of his figures presented during the debate, which highlighted the disappearance of diesel fuel.
Dr. Warong outlined the oil supply chain from upstream refineries to midstream traders under Section 7, and downstream gas stations. In late March, government inspections of oil depots under Section 7 revealed no hoarding, raising suspicions about the existence of "phantom" oil. He questioned whether refineries might have sent this "phantom" oil to intermediaries, suggesting a potential scheme involving large-scale misappropriation of taxpayer money.
The DSI has now classified the investigation into missing oil as a special case, examining GPS routes of 10,000 vehicles. Dr. Warong criticized this approach as theatrical and urged a more straightforward investigation into refineries, oil depots, and gas stations. He reiterated his call for Mr. Pipat and the Prime Minister to provide clarification, warning that unresolved issues could lead to governmental downfall and ministerial imprisonment.
Dr. Warong mentioned that the information he currently possesses is insufficient for proceeding with the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). However, he speculated on a potential scheme to siphon off national oil, with some information suggesting government agency involvement. Despite claims of fuel distribution, the public lacked fuel, which he believes indicates connections to major traders. He urged the minister to clarify the matter in Parliament to potentially clear their name.
Regarding gas station operating hours post-Songkran, Dr. Warong argued that there is no current shortage like in mid-March, and thus, no need to enforce specific operating hours.