Fuel remains scarce at many service stations across Thailand, even though reserves are more than adequate, amid continuing problems with delivery and unusually high demand, officials said on Thursday.
The Ministry of Energy surveyed 2,649 service stations from Sunday to Tuesday and found that 1,912 had completely or nearly run out of some kinds of fuel.
The survey found 241 stations were temporarily closed, while 496 remained fully open.
The figures reflect slow deliveries of fuel and unusually high demand at filling stations over the past two weeks, amid fear that the Middle East conflict will push oil prices even higher, an official said.
He said that Thailand’s imports of crude oil were continuing as usual, while denying online rumours that oil was being smuggled to Cambodia.
As of Thursday, Thailand had 5.06 billion litres of oil which was enough for 41 days’ use, he said.
In addition, delivery is confirmed for another 7.39 billion litres, with some already on the way to Thailand.
Authorities say that if the public stops hoarding, the situation will return to normal.
Authorities have begun increasing the diesel price in small steps from 30 baht a litre to 33 baht, in order to reduce the amount of money spent on subsidies.
