Energy Ministry Explains DSI Summons for Six Refineries Over Incomplete Shipping Documents

The Department of Energy Business revealed that the Special Branch (DSI) will summon six refineries for questioning within the next week over incomplete documentation in oil transport permits. According to Sarawut Kaeo Ta Thip, director-general of the Department of Energy Business, these summons are not related to oil hoarding charges, but rather to incomplete information in oil transport control documents as required by law. These documents are critical for the government to track oil transportation routes, particularly when substandard or adulterated oil is discovered. Officials use the transport permits to trace problems back to their source.

The requirement to complete all eight data fields is not new legislation but an existing regulation that has been consistently enforced. However, incomplete filings have been found in many cases. When data was integrated with the DSI and the National Police Office, authorities recognized that these documents could serve as a starting point for expanding investigations into other issues.

"When violations are found, the government must take legal action because these are established rules," Sarawut said. "Penalties under Section 10 carry fines up to 100,000 baht and imprisonment up to one year, or both. Section 7 violations carry heavier penalties of up to 200,000 baht in fines and up to two years imprisonment."

Meanwhile, the ministry is considering export authorization for jet fuel (Jet A1) to manage excess domestic oil supplies. Exports would only be permitted after ensuring minimum reserves sufficient for domestic consumption. Initial interested buyers include Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam, and the Philippines, with some countries having formally expressed interest. Exports could begin within the next month.

Currently, Thailand requires 70 million liters daily of diesel and jet fuel. The country maintains a total oil reserve of 300 million liters—approximately 17-20 days of supply—to ensure security. Excess Jet A1 production beyond reserve requirements can be exported. Previous exports went to Laos and Myanmar, with Vietnam and the Philippines recently submitting purchase requests.

"Exporting jet fuel to international markets will help ease diesel oversupply problems and allow refineries to operate more efficiently going forward," Sarawut stated. "I confirm that any exports will be limited to surplus jet fuel production only. There is no policy to export diesel or gasoline and E85 products, as domestic demand for these has actually increased."