Fuel supplies sufficient in Prachuap Khiri Khan, governor urges calm
The governor of Prachuap Khiri Khan has confirmed that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and urged residents not to panic buy, following concerns about potential price increases linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking during an inspection of petrol stations on Wednesday afternoon, Governor Sitthichai Sawat Saen said authorities were closely monitoring the situation and reassured the public that there is currently no shortage of fuel in the province.
The inspection took place at the PTT petrol station in Khlong Wan, Mueang Prachuap Khiri Khan District, where the governor was joined by Sorasak Thayai, the provincial energy officer, along with officials from the Provincial Energy Office, the Provincial Commerce Office, the Damrongtham Centre and the Prachuap Khiri Khan Area Excise Office.
Officials reported that petrol stations across the province remain open and operating normally, with residents continuing to use services as usual. However, operators said a large number of motorists rushed to refuel on Tuesday after hearing reports that global oil prices could rise.
At the Khlong Wan station, the surge in demand resulted in all types of fuel being sold out by around 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, forcing the station to temporarily close despite normally operating 24 hours a day. The closure led some members of the public to believe that fuel was being hoarded.
Authorities said the temporary shortage was caused by the sudden increase in demand rather than any disruption to supply, and the situation has since returned to normal.
Authorities warn against price manipulation
During the inspection, the governor reminded petrol station operators that hoarding fuel, refusing to sell it, or taking advantage of the situation by raising prices without reasonable justification is illegal.
He said such actions carry penalties of up to seven years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 140,000 baht, or both.
Governor Sitthichai reiterated that fuel supplies in Prachuap Khiri Khan remain sufficient and that the country continues to maintain adequate reserves. He urged residents not to stockpile fuel and instead to use it responsibly while the situation in the Middle East remains uncertain.
The governor also warned against storing petrol in containers or jerry cans at home, particularly during the current period of hot weather, as this could pose a serious safety risk.
In addition to monitoring fuel supplies, the governor instructed relevant agencies to closely watch the pricing of goods to prevent businesses from exploiting the situation by raising prices unfairly.
Members of the public who encounter suspected misconduct are encouraged to report it to the Provincial Commerce Office, the district Damrongtham Centre, the provincial Damrongtham Centre, or via the consumer protection hotline 1569.
Governor Sitthichai also addressed concerns about security monitoring in the province, saying authorities already maintain records of foreign nationals residing in the area. District officials, local administrative authorities and police have been instructed to remain vigilant and increase inspections, particularly in tourist areas, in order to maintain confidence among residents and visitors.
