Energy Commerce Director Clarifies Charges Against Refineries for Improper Oil Transport Documents, Directs DSI to Investigate Hoarding
Refineries in Surat Thani were charged after inspections found 166 improperly completed oil transport documents, with authorities now investigating potential fuel hoarding operations.
The Energy Commerce Director is clarifying charges against refineries over improper oil transport documentation and directing the DSI to investigate potential fuel hoarding. All oil traders are being ordered to properly complete transport documents.
On May 23, 2026, Sarawut Kaew-tat-thip, director of the Department of Energy Commerce (DEC), issued a clarification to correct potential misunderstandings regarding recent enforcement actions. The department has intensified oversight of oil traders to ensure compliance with the Fuel Trade Act B.E. 2543, using transport documentation as a primary inspection tool.
During recent inspections of six oil storage facilities in Surat Thani province operated by licensed traders, authorities discovered 166 transport documents with incomplete or incorrect information, constituting violations of the law. All six refineries have been formally charged as the document creators and the cases have been referred to the National Police Office and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for joint examination.
The document irregularities are considered significant evidence potentially linked to "fuel hoarding operations," which the DSI will lead in investigating and pursuing further. The DEC director has warned all fuel traders that any violations will result in strict legal prosecution.
