Bangkok: Ekanat Promphan's "Energy Team" has taken decisive action against five more oil depots amid allegations of hoarding, speculation, and sales delays during the recent oil crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Ekanat's team presented evidence to the Trade Competition Commission (TCC) to prosecute these depots for their irregular activities. Ms. Thitiphas Chotdechachainant, the Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Chair of the Intensive Monitoring Committee for Energy Reform, delivered the lawsuit to the TCC, highlighting discrepancies in oil transactions at the depots. Police Lieutenant General Phithaya Sirirak, a member of the TCC, acknowledged the submission of the letter.
Ms. Thitiphas disclosed that Minister Ekanat had deployed a specialized team to scrutinize oil handling practices nationwide during February and March 2026. Their investigations revealed irregularities in certain depots, prompting a subcommittee, along with the Department of Energy Business, to summon 33 depot customers nationwide for information gathering in July and August.
The investigation found that in February, oil depots operated normally, but by March, anomalies emerged. These included depots receiving but not dispensing oil, extended storage periods, sales delays, and potential sales refusals. The investigation aims to identify links between these practices and the oil shortages experienced in several areas.
The team identified five additional depots with questionable practices, noting an average excess oil inventory of approximately 1.67 million liters. This prompted the submission of documents to the TCC and the Department of Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce, for further investigation under relevant laws such as the Trade Competition Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999).
The TCC will now conduct an investigation, with potential legal proceedings if any violations of the Trade Competition Act are confirmed. All 21 vendors identified have had charges filed against them.
Looking ahead, the Ministry of Energy plans to enhance the oil supply management system. This includes introducing an alert system for undisbursed oil, improving transportation tracking for continuous monitoring, and establishing a collaborative mechanism with provinces nationwide for swift oversight and management.
Ms. Thitiphas emphasized the importance of clear law enforcement standards to prevent future hoarding or sales delays for speculative purposes, which harm the public. She stated that today's submission of evidence to the TCC reflects the Ministry's commitment to protecting public interests and ensuring fair energy access for all Thais.