Oil Pipeline Companies Expand Investigation Under Rama III Bridge
Oil pipeline companies BFPL and BPT expanded investigations beneath Bangkok's Rama III bridge on September 16 after detecting potential contamination, with inspections underway to identify the leak source and prepare repairs.
Bangkok Fuel Pipeline Logistics Company Limited (BFPL) and Buffs Pipeline Transport Company Limited (BPT) have reported progress on additional inspections into oil contamination near Fuel Road beneath the Rama III elevated bridge. On September 16, 2025, they opened the ground to conduct further checks due to possible oil leakage from the pipeline in the area. Both companies are now controlling the site and accelerating detailed inspections to identify the exact source and cause of the contamination. Once confirmed, they will promptly prepare a repair plan to submit to the Energy Business Department and arrange alternative oil transport channels to ensure continuous delivery.
Previous inspections conducted on September 12, 2025, found no abnormalities in the pipeline section initially identified by oil stains and odor. However, because the source of contamination could not be determined, the inspection area was expanded to surrounding zones, where minor traces of oil were discovered, though no definitive connection to the incident has been established.
BFPL and BPT will accelerate inspections to clearly identify the damage location and nature. If damage is found, repairs will follow engineering standards and Energy Business Department requirements, with maintenance and repair history submitted for the department's investigation and risk assessment. Following repairs, both companies will inspect the pipeline interior using Intelligent Pig equipment over approximately 32 kilometers to ensure no other abnormalities exist.
The pipeline system is licensed to BPT and BFPL, subsidiaries of Bangchak Corporation, which has operated it since January 1, 2022. Both companies commit to full cooperation with the Energy Business Department and relevant agencies in inspections and pipeline management reviews, and will fairly accept responsibility for actual damages based on facts and evidence. They have obtained insurance coverage for third-party liability, property damage, and business interruption, and are facilitating affected residents and businesses.
