Thai authorities are investigating the case of 57 million liters of fuel that did not reach oil depots in Surat Thani province, after discovering that this fuel had been discharged into the sea during transportation.
On April 6, Justice Minister Rutthapon Naowarat said that initial investigation results determined that the above fuel had been transferred from oil tankers to a small fleet offshore. This operation took place in 96 shipments.
Thai authorities, including the Thai Special Investigation Agency, are investigating fuel hoarding allegations amid rising prices due to conflicts in the Middle East.
According to verification results, some fuel businesses in Surat Thani received and stored unusually large amounts of fuel in March. Functional agencies discovered high inventories at PC Siam Petroleum Company and some other units.
Representatives of PC Siam Petroleum held a press conference and denied any related violations.
Meanwhile, Thai customs and police forces continue to check local fuel reserves to determine the origin and route of the lost goods.
The Royal Thai Navy said it will strengthen patrols in the Gulf of Thailand, with the participation of ships of the 1st and 2nd Fleets, to prevent the risk of fuel smuggling out of the territory.
