Oil crisis sparks widespread concern, confidence in government shaky - Poll

Most respondents to an opinion poll say they are worried or very worried about the ongoing oil crisis in the country, and almost half are not reassured by the government’s claim that there will be sufficient oil to meet domestic demand for up to 98 days, according to a NIDA Poll released today.

The National Institute of Development Administration (NIDA) conducted telephone interviews with 1,310 people aged over 18, from various professions and occupations, on March 17 and 18.

They were asked how they feel about the widespread fuel shortages and whether they have confidence in the government’s ability to cope with the situation.

Asked about the current fuel shortages at many service stations, 31.76% of respondents said they are worried, 17.71% said they are very worried, 26.64% said they are not very worried, while 23.89% said they are not worried at all.

Asked whether they have been affected by fuel shortages, the poll shows that 33.36% of respondents have been affected, 23.59% said they have been badly affected, 33.90% said they have not been affected, while 8.8% said they do not use petrol in their daily lives.

Regarding confidence in the government’s claim that there will be sufficient oil for up to 98 days, the poll shows that 44.28% of respondents doubt the government’s ability to secure additional oil supplies and question the claim of sufficient reserves.

Meanwhile, 28.93% are confident in the government’s ability to secure additional supplies and believe there will be enough oil for up to 98 days.

Another 16.72% do not believe reserves will last 98 days, but think the government will be able to secure additional oil supplies, while 9.54% are confident that there will be sufficient oil.

Asked about their Songkran plans if the oil crisis persists, 57.56% of respondents said they have no plans to travel.

Of those who had intended to travel, 14.80% said they have decided to cancel their plans, while 12.06% said they will proceed as planned. Another 9.67% said they will adjust their travel plans and 2.75% said they will change their destinations.

Footnote: The survey was conducted before the government adjusted the oil reserve figure to 104 days.