2024-12-20
Ahead of New Year's travel, Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has initiated a large-scale inspection of fuel pumps along the country's main roads. The goal is to ensure accuracy, service quality and strengthen consumer confidence during one of the year's most intense travel seasons.
The inspection program in detail
The fuel inspections, which include over 2 gas stations and more than 000 fuel pumps, are part of a collaboration between the Ministry of Commerce, fuel distributors and other relevant authorities. The initiative is led by Deputy Trade Minister Nainon Patong and aims to identify and address potential inaccuracies in measurements or service.
"It is our responsibility to ensure that consumers receive the correct amount of fuel and that the price corresponds to the actual volume," the deputy trade minister said at the launch of the inspections.
Consumer protection in focus
To ensure maximum transparency, fuel companies participating in the program have been awarded the Standard Fuel Dispenser Certification (SFD), which guarantees that their pumps are properly calibrated and meet metering and price requirements. Consumers are advised to check the pump display before filling up to ensure that the price and volume are set correctly.
If discrepancies are detected, consumers can report them via the Ministry of Commerce's hotline or the LI app. Companies that violate the rules face severe penalties, including fines of up to 280 baht and up to seven years in prison for tampering with pumps.
Significance of the New Year season
During the New Year period, it is common for millions of people to travel through Thailand, making reliable fuel supplies a critical issue. The inspection program, which covers 25% of all gas stations in the country, is an important part of ensuring a smooth and safe travel season for both Thai and international travelers.
Future efforts
The Ministry of Commerce plans to expand the program in 2025 and will also launch campaigns to educate consumers about their rights and how to spot any discrepancies in fuel pump readings.
Text: The editorial staff
Image license: marcus whip, Pixabay, original image