April 4, 2026
World
World
PARIS, April 4 — A French- and a Japanese-owned vessel were among a few ships to cross the war-hit Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, maritime tracking data showed, marking the first transit since the conflict began.
BANGKOK, April 3 — Thai authorities have launched a nationwide probe into suspected fuel hoarding after a 57-million-litre discrepancy was discovered in shipments to Surat Thani.
Justice Minister Pol Lt Gen Rutthaphon Naowarat said inspections are underway at petrol stations and fuel depots, with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) examining the entire supply chain from refineries to retailers.
Investigations revealed that 217 million litres of fuel were transported over 96 trips, but only 160 million litres were delivered, leaving 57 million litres unaccounted for.
Authorities are treating the case as a special investigation, focusing on possible irregularities in transport and storage, and will take legal action against those involved.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said the government is intensifying efforts to curb hoarding and illegal fuel diversion, warning that such acts worsen shortages and strain subsidies meant to stabilise prices. — Bernama
