Thai PM Cracks Down on ‘Evil’ Fuel Smugglers to Protect Supply

5)9pw]1(qpt5r4gj7)brxz7l_media_dl_1.png BloombergArticle content(Bloomberg) — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is cracking down on fuel smugglers whom he called “evil” as authorities tighten enforcement to protect domestic supply.Sign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentThe move follows reports of illicit fuel shipments from Thailand into Cambodia, which has been largely cut off from Thai supplies. Anutin, whose election win in February was bolstered by a hardline stance toward Cambodia after deadly border clashes, ordered a sweeping probe into fuel hoarding, price manipulation and illegal exports.Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentOfficials have identified irregular practices across the supply chain, including delayed maritime deliveries to profit from rising prices, refusals by depots to supply fuel to retailers and the diversion of shipments for stockpiling.Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.Article content“All these actions amount to excessive profiteering during a global energy crisis,” Anutin said Friday at a briefing. “They have contributed to fuel shortages across the country.”Article contentAsked whether smuggling fuel into Cambodia constituted a serious offense, Anutin said Thursday at a separate event that “it’s evil,” and nodded when asked if such actions could amounted to treason.Article contentThe tightening measures come as rising fuel prices and supply disruptions increase incentives for illicit trade. Some Thai fuel stations have reported temporary shortages as traders divert supply to higher-priced markets. The government has sought to reassure consumers, saying the country has sufficient energy reserves to cover about 106 days of demand without new imports.Article contentThailand has banned most fuel exports, making limited exceptions only for Myanmar and Laos, and has kept its border with Cambodia largely closed amid ongoing tensions. The navy has enforced a ban on oil shipments to Cambodia since March 6, while stepping up inspections and interdictions of suspicious maritime transport.Article contentAuthorities have also expanded surveillance of shipping activity.

The Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center said it identified 96 abnormal voyages, including unusual traffic patterns and slow sailing speeds that may indicate hoarding. Of those, 20 voyages involving more than 50 million liters of oil, were flagged as potentially linked to stockpiling.Article contentSome vessels were found lingering near border areas or within Thai waters for extended periods, raising concerns over possible ship-to-ship transfers, officials said.Article contentTrending CRA denied taxpayer with multiple health issues the disability tax credit Personal Finance Subscriber only. How a Buddhist monk's advice helped this Canadian philanthropist amass a fortune Subscriber only High Net Worth Fighting U.S. tariffs, Canada mulls its own as cheap imports surge Economy U.S. targets Canada’s cloud-computing move as trade irritant Economy Canada’s Irving turns to Newfoundland for oil on Iran disruption Oil & Gas Share this article in your social networkCommentsYou must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments.Create an AccountSign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. CRA denied taxpayer with multiple health issues the disability tax credit Personal Finance Subscriber only. How a Buddhist monk's advice helped this Canadian philanthropist amass a fortune Subscriber only High Net Worth Fighting U.S. tariffs, Canada mulls its own as cheap imports surge Economy U.S. targets Canada’s cloud-computing move as trade irritant Economy Canada’s Irving turns to Newfoundland for oil on Iran disruption Oil & Gas