ส.อ.ท. หารือ รมว.พลังงาน เดินหน้าแนวทางพลังงาน เสริมความมั่นคง กลุ่มอุตโรงกลั่นฯ ยันน้ำมันมีเพียงพอ ไม่กระทบประชาชนFTI Discusses with the Energy Minister on Advancing Energy Strategies to Enhance Security, Refining Industry Affirms Sufficient Oil Supply Without Impacting Citizens

On May 29, 2026, the management team of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), led by Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of FTI, along with executives from the Energy Institute for Industry and the petroleum refining industry group, held discussions with Mr. Aeknat Poompanmoung, Minister of Energy, to exchange views and proposals on the country’s energy policies amidst global economic volatility, geopolitical situations, and the energy transition at the Energy Complex (EnCo) Building B.

In the meeting, Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Energy for the opportunity to introduce FTI and outline its vision and policies. The governance policy for the period of 2026–2028 is under the “5I” strategic framework aimed at enhancing the competitiveness of Thailand's industrial sector and promoting balanced long-term growth. The framework consists of Intelligent Industry, Innovation & Creative Industry, International Alliance & Network, Industrial Infrastructure Reform, and Inclusive & Sustainable Growth.

Both the Ministry of Energy and the Federation of Thai Industries concur that “energy” is a fundamental factor interconnected with all dimensions of development, including investment, production, utilization of modern technologies, and the advancement of the digital industry, as well as driving the country towards its Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions target. Therefore, energy reform must be accelerated alongside elevating the Thai industrial sector in all aspects.

Mr. Aeknat Poompanmoung, Minister of Energy, welcomed the FTI executive team and congratulated Ms. Pimjai Leeissaranukul on her appointment as President of the Federation of Thai Industries for the term of 2026–2028, expressing confidence that the Ministry of Energy and the Federation of Thai Industries will work closely together like siblings to drive the energy sector and the country’s industries to grow in tandem.

Mr. Aeknat stated that while he is now directly responsible for energy, all operations remain interconnected with the industrial sector, as energy is a crucial factor in attracting investment, creating economic value added, and enhancing the country’s competitiveness, which is a significant hope for driving Thailand's economy in the long term.

There are several issues that the Ministry of Energy wishes to expedite with the industrial sector, particularly regarding energy security, which is a fundamental factor for economic development, creating investor confidence, and enhancing the value of Thailand's economy in the future, Mr. Aeknat added.

During this discussion, Mr. Mongkol Hengrojanasophon, President of the Energy Institute for Industry, FTI, reflected that energy today is not only a cost for the industrial sector but a strategic factor related to the nation's competitiveness, energy security, and long-term economic development.

The industry sees that Thailand should have a “Pragmatic Energy Transition” approach that is suited to the country's context by maintaining a balance between energy security, competitiveness, affordable energy access, and sustainability concurrently.

In addition, discussions also covered issues related to granting private access to clean energy through Direct PPA, promoting bioenergy and clean energy, developing Smart Grid and energy storage systems, as well as ways to increase flexibility in managing the country’s energy system. The industrial sector confirmed its readiness to work closely with the Ministry of Energy to collaboratively develop a secure, competitive energy system that meets Thailand’s future needs.

Regarding the petroleum refining industry, Ms. Rungnapa Chanchoogeekiat, President of the Petroleum Refining Industry Group, FTI, reported on the operational situation concerning supply chain management in the energy sector amidst fluctuations in demand and the energy market, affirming that Thailand has sufficient oil supply to meet demand and comprehensive planning for managing oil reserves.

Currently, the refining group has planned to procure crude oil to support production proactively, while adjusting strategies to diversify sourcing by reducing dependence on crude oil from the Middle East and increasing the variety of import sources to enhance energy security and mitigate risks from global geopolitical situations.

The refining group is fully prepared to cooperate closely with the government in maintaining the stability of the energy system, managing oil reserves, and ensuring the energy and chemical security of the country continuously. The refining group is committed to securing crude oil supply to meet production capacity fully.

In this regard, Mr. Aeknat remarked that the various measures will be carefully considered in all dimensions to avoid impacting the stability of the country’s energy sector. He emphasized that energy management today is not only about preventing shortages but also about building confidence among citizens, businesses, and investors that Thailand has a stable and efficient energy management system capable of promptly dealing with potential fluctuations.