Bangkok: Mr. Sarawut Kaewtathip, Director-General of the Department of Energy Business, revealed that the overall fuel sales in the country in May 2026 stood at 148.39 million liters per day. This figure represents a 4.2 percent decrease compared to the same month of the previous year, yet marks a 4.3 percent increase from the previous month. Most fuel types experienced year-on-year decreases, including gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, fuel oil, LPG, and NGV. However, Gasohol E20 and B20 diesel sales continued to rise due to government measures promoting biofuels.
According to Thai News Agency, gasoline sales totaled 30.58 million liters per day, decreasing by 3.2 percent compared to the same month last year. The decline was primarily driven by reduced sales of gasoline, Gasohol 91, Gasohol 95, and Gasohol E85. Meanwhile, Gasohol E20 sales increased by 26.9 percent, reaching 6.45 million liters per day, thanks to promotional measures and a favorable price differential compared to Gasohol 95.
Regular diesel fuel sales amounted to 63.68 million liters per day, reflecting a 5.0 percent decrease. This trend was in line with the May Shipment Index, which showed a 4.26 percent contraction. Despite this, B20 diesel fuel sales continued to grow, supported by government policies and the expansion of service stations. As of May 2026, there were 802 stations selling B20 diesel, contributing to a sales volume of 3.68 million liters per day.
Commercial aviation fuel sales saw a 2.1 percent decline, with volumes at 14.94 million liters per day. The reduction corresponded with a 7.4 percent drop in flight numbers compared to the previous year, impacted by higher fuel prices and seasonal low demand, affecting airlines' operational strategies.
Fuel oil sales decreased by 3.7 percent to 5.18 million liters per day, correlated with a downturn in industrial activity as indicated by a 1.29 percent contraction in the Manufacturing Production Index for May 2026.
Sales of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) were down by 1.2 percent at 17.76 million kg per day. Household and industrial sales decreased by 3.2 percent and 2 percent, respectively, while transportation sales saw a slight increase.
Natural gas for vehicles (NGV) sales continued their downward trend, declining by 8.8 percent to 2.13 million kg per day. This was consistent with a reduction in NGV refueling stations nationwide.
Fuel imports rose significantly by 25.7 percent, totaling 1,164,539 barrels per day. This increase was driven by higher crude and refined oil imports, influenced by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Meanwhile, refined oil exports saw a modest increase of 1.2 percent, with fuel oil exports notably rising by 62.1 percent.