Bangkok: The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into seven oil depots located in the provinces of Saraburi, Khon Kaen, and Samut Sakhon. If substantial evidence is discovered, the case will be promptly classified as a special case.
According to Thai News Agency, the investigation is being expedited under the directive of Police Lieutenant General Ruttapol Nawarat, Minister of Justice. This action follows the Prime Minister's Order No. 3/2569, issued on March 20, 2026, which calls for swift investigation and decisive measures to prevent fuel hoarding. This move comes after the Royal Thai Police identified anomalies in the electricity consumption at several fuel depots. In collaboration with the Royal Thai Police, the Department of Energy Business (DOEB), the Department of Internal Trade, the Excise Department, and local administrative bodies, DSI officials inspected seven fuel depots and distribution centers on April 28, 2026. Notable findings from these inspections include discrepancies at the Thai Pipeline depot, where diesel fuel dispensed in mid-March was below expectations. Investigations also extended to P.S.P. Specialties Public Company Limited's Terminals 1 and 2, which receive shipments from major operators. Authorities have sei zed and are analyzing nine critical data sets, such as daily inventory logs, CCTV recordings, transport manifests, electricity usage data, and fuel pump records, to assess the relationship between fuel quantities, transportation routes, and delivery timings.
The Special Cases Committee (SCC) has resolved that from March 1, 2026, onwards, any criminal offenses related to fuel will be treated as special cases until the Middle East conflict stabilizes. Consequently, the Prime Minister has mandated the involvement of officials from various agencies in these investigations to ensure a thorough and efficient inquiry, as well as the authority to uncover facts and evidence.
Today, the DSI has formalized the appointment of an investigative team for this case. Should compelling evidence surface, the case will be immediately classified as a special case. Significant progress has already been reported in the investigation of P.C. Siam Petroleum Co., Ltd., concerning oil hoarding and delayed fuel sales, registered as Special Case No. 59/2569. Meanwhile, the fuel adulteration case in Ang Thong Province, listed as Special Case No. 66/2569, has moved forward with the receipt of the investigation file from police authorities, with the gathering of financial evidence currently in process. The DSI team has been directed to conduct the investigation with thoroughness and precision, considering all relevant offenses.