Jet fuel likely the first to ship
An aerial view of Thai Oil's refinery complex in Chon Buri's Si Racha district. Storage facilities are at half their capacity.
Authorities are considering lifting a temporary ban on the export of refined oil, citing secure reserves and a growing surplus in storage facilities, according to Sarawut Kaewtathip, director-general of the Department of Energy Business (DOEB).Six domestic oil refineries are operating with storage facilities filled to nearly half their capacity.
Mr Sarawut warned if the ban remains in place, excess stock could lead to mounting storage costs.
The DOEB is expected to initially allow the export of jet fuel. Although global demand for aviation fuel has slowed due to weaker tourism, many countries still face shortages because of limited refining capacity.
