Today at 17.45 hrs. at Phakdi Bodin Building, Government House, Mr. Panidorn Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Weerapat Kiatfuangfoo, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, jointly briefed the press on measures to address the energy situation and the rising cost of living.

• What is the situation in the Middle East and the progress in assisting Thai nationals?

Mr. Panidorn Pachimsawat, Acting Director-General of the Department of Information and Deputy Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an update on the case of three Thai crew members aboard the Thai commercial vessel “Mayuree Naree,” which encountered an incident while transiting through the Strait of Hormuz on 11 March 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has closely monitored the situation and coordinated with relevant parties. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has held telephone discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Oman and Iran, and has also invited the Ambassador of Iran to Thailand for consultations, while continuing to send official communications to follow up on assistance efforts.

Most recently, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been informed by Precious Shipping PLC, owner of the vessel “Mayuree Naree,” that the company hired a specialized search and rescue team to board the vessel, with authorization from local authorities, to conduct a search and rescue operation in the area where the three crew members had been located during the incident. The search team has carried out a detailed inspection of accessible areas of the vessel to the extent permitted by conditions, as the vessel had sustained damage from fire with residual smoke inside and flooding in the engine room, making the search operation difficult. The company reported that the search team had exerted its best efforts, but was not able to locate the three crew members on board.

The company has already informed the families of the crew members of this development. The Ministry wishes to provide this update and affirms that it will not relent in its efforts to locate the three crew members, while continuing to coordinate closely with the Iranian side and other relevant parties.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs calls on all parties concerned to return to dialogue and diplomacy at the earliest opportunity, in order to bring an end to the conflict in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, while ensuring the safety of civilians and the freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

• What is the current situation regarding oil supply and the promotion of B20 diesel?

Mr. Weerapat Kiatfuangfoo, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, reported the latest oil production and sales figures as of 28 March 2026.

Diesel consumption currently stands at 87.5 million liters, comprising 69.5 million liters distributed through service stations and 18 million liters supplied to jobbers, the transport sector, industries, and government agencies. This figure remains higher than the March average of 83 million liters.

Gasoline consumption stands at approximately 32–33 million liters, of which 29–30 million liters are distributed through service stations and 2–2.8 million liters through other channels. This level has declined to near the average sales figures recorded in January.

Regarding the temporary relaxation of oil reserve requirements announced last week, the government has so far released a total of 120 million liters of oil reserves to help ease supply pressures and support the public.

The Deputy Permanent Secretary also explained the promotion of B20 diesel, which is a blend of base diesel fuel (B0) and biodiesel (B100) derived entirely from palm oil, in a proportion of 20 percent biodiesel.

This biodiesel component is exempt from certain taxes, and with additional support from the Oil Fuel Fund, B20 diesel is currently priced 5 baht per liter lower than B7 diesel.

At present, the fisheries sector has shown interest in adopting this policy to help reduce operating costs. However, B20 will not be sold at general service stations, as it is not compatible with all vehicle models and may affect vehicle warranty and insurance conditions.

Instead, B20 diesel will be made available through direct orders from oil depots, specifically targeted to designated groups as a cost-relief measure.