Eknath Files Complaint with DSI Against 6 Oil Storage Companies for Irregular Marine Shipping Documents

Energy Minister Eknath Prom-phandu authorized the 'Chudsotsouy Team,' led by Titiphat Chotedchaichainanth, to file a complaint with the DSI against six oil storage or fuel trading companies under Section 7 in Rayong and Chachoengsao for issuing over 100 irregular marine shipping documents. During inspections from February to April 2025, authorities found suspicious behavior among 92 oil storage facilities. At least 7 storage companies were found to be hoarding fuel for profit, with the most serious case being an Ang Thong-based facility that was caught adulterating fuel products through random sampling tests. Authorities also discovered irregularities in marine shipping documents, as ships transporting fuel to southern Thailand—including Surat Thani, Songkhla, and Chumphon—carry approximately 20-30% of total fuel supplies, making the region a likely point for fuel diversion to overseas markets. The task force examined over 100 shipping documents showing violations of fuel trading regulations, all between oil refineries and southern fuel traders. If confirmed as violations of the 1983 Fuel Trading Act, companies could face penalties up to two years imprisonment or 200,000 baht per document. The involved companies, numbering at least 5-6, primarily operate in Rayong and Chachoengsao. Titiphat stated that the team filed complaints against six companies that primarily shipped fuel by sea to storage facilities in Surat Thani, with the filing occurring on April 27 at 4:00 PM.