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Phuket Motorists Rush to Gasoline Stations Over Fuel Price Surge

snoop1130
· 1,373 views

Motorists in Phuket hurried to refuel their vehicles on March 3, anticipating potential fuel price hikes due to tensions in the Middle East. Significant queues formed at a Bangchak petrol station in Kathu, with drivers of vans and taxis among those seeking to fill their tanks. The demand led to queues stretching beyond the forecourt, with some petrol stations struggling to maintain fuel supply.

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Concerns are mounting as drivers return to fill up again on March 4, fearing further price increases. The situation arises amidst global uncertainty, prompting immediate public reaction. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reassured the nation that Thailand has adequate oil reserves, even if a key strait is obstructed.

Thailand's oil import strategy is diversified, lessening dependence on the Middle East. The nation’s oil refining and consumption rates currently stand at 170 million litres and 130 million litres per day, respectively. Government plans include possibly halting fuel exports, except to Laos, redirecting over 30 million litres of surplus for domestic needs if necessary.

The Energy Ministry remains committed to stabilising fuel prices and stated that current energy costs do not justify any price increases for goods or services. Businesses were cautioned against inflating prices amid the turmoil, and the public was advised to remain calm and avoid panic-buying. These measures seek to assure the public of sufficient energy supply without impacting economic stability.

Looking forward, the government aims to continue monitoring the situation closely and adjust policies to prevent any adverse effects on the domestic market. Officials emphasize ongoing vigilance and adaptability to ensure energy security throughout the region, reported The Thaiger.

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image.png  Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 04 Mar 2026

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    worgeordie Star Member

    worgeordie

    Advanced Member

    The price goes up very quickly , when oil drops it takes a while to come down,

    had to go to 3 gas stations this morning up in Chiang Mai, before I found one

    with Diesel , big lines of cars at stations that had fuel,some even shut , waiting

    till the price goes up no doubt,

    regards worgeordie

    JBChiangRai Diamond Member

    JBChiangRai

    Advanced Member

    Most petrol stations closed in Chiang Rai and very long queue at the only one I saw empty.

    I predict sales of EV’s to flourish.

    GroveHillWanderer Platinum Member

    GroveHillWanderer

    Advanced Member
    23 minutes ago, worgeordie said:

    The price goes up very quickly , when oil drops it takes a while to come down,

    had to go to 3 gas stations this morning up in Chiang Mai, before I found one

    with Diesel , big lines of cars at stations that had fuel,some even shut , waiting

    till the price goes up no doubt,

    regards worgeordie

    There's a saying for this: "Up like a rocket, down like a feather."

    JBChiangRai Diamond Member

    JBChiangRai

    Advanced Member

    The fuel stations will be restocked by Monday with little demand.

    TorquayFan Gold Member

    TorquayFan

    Advanced Member

    As I understand it, the Govt. have put a 14 day cap on vehicle fuel prices so the prices today were as before.

    I think the queueing may also be due to concerns about emerging FUEL SHORTAGES due to disruption of supplies from the Middle East.

    Travelling from Chiang Mai area in BKK direction today, I noticed that in urban locations the Petrol Stations are crowded and queueing but en route between town locations, they are as normal - but I did take the precaution of topping up at each 'comfort' stop !

    I have heard of excessive queues and some 'run out' closures in Chanthaburi as it happens.

    Concern today is IMO for an emerging fuel shortage.

    KhunLA Star Member

    KhunLA

    Advanced Member

    Hmm .... I'm missing something

    Price down from 9 Jan 2026, and

    holding steady since 18 Feb 2026

    4 mar.png

    KhunLA Star Member

    KhunLA

    Advanced Member
    29 minutes ago, TorquayFan said:

    As I understand it, the Govt. have put a 14 day cap on vehicle fuel prices so the prices today were as before.

    I think the queueing may also be due to concerns about emerging FUEL SHORTAGES due to disruption of supplies from the Middle East.

    Travelling from Chiang Mai area in BKK direction today, I noticed that in urban locations the Petrol Stations are crowded and queueing but en route between town locations, they are as normal - but I did take the precaution of topping up at each 'comfort' stop !

    I have heard of excessive queues and some 'run out' closures in Chanthaburi as it happens.

    Concern today is IMO for an emerging fuel shortage.

    that's on diesel only, I believe ...

    image.png

    TorquayFan Gold Member

    TorquayFan

    Advanced Member

    Thanks Khun LA.

    TheFishman1 Platinum Member

    TheFishman1

    Advanced Member

    I see 85 octane 26.26 I got gas a few days ago like maybe two it was 27.09 so I don’t know if all the gas stations are really following with the government is telling the price fuel at I could be wrong but then again TIT

    KhunBENQ Star Member

    KhunBENQ

    Advanced Member
    27 minutes ago, TheFishman1 said:

    I see 85 octane 26.26

    There is no 85 octane fuel in Thailand.

    What you see is E85, 85% ethanol content.

    It is only usable for vehicles that are approved for it.

    Gasohol 95 is 95 octane with 10% ethanol. Best seller for most non Diesel vehicles.

    Chalong circle Senior Member

    Chalong circle

    Member

    This morning in Shell station in Rawai. I was the only customer. Staff tell me that yesterday, they had no time to eat 5555

    JAG Ruby Member

    JAG

    Advanced Member
    18 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

    Most petrol stations closed in Chiang Rai and very long queue at the only one I saw empty.

    I predict sales of EV’s to flourish.

    Wiang Chiang Rung has 3 petrol stations. 2 closed, 1, the lass who owns it said she expects to run out today.

    Some empty shelves at Lotus and 7/11.

    We are doomed I tell you, doomed!

    JBChiangRai Diamond Member

    JBChiangRai

    Advanced Member
    20 minutes ago, JAG said:

    We are doomed I tell you, doomed!

    We filled up today in town, I think they had just had a delivery, they were out of diesel, but full with petrol. Fortunately, my car does 40-ish kilometer on the electric before I need to use the engine.

    I agree we’re doomed and they don’t lit up them!

    TorquayFan Gold Member

    TorquayFan

    Advanced Member

    We travelled from the Chang Mai area over 2 days, about 11 hours on the road altogether, 800km.

    On the main roads between towns and cities everything appeared normal at 'petrol stations' but we noticed small queues in urban areas.

    I'm planning to keep a minimum of 50% in the tank from now on.

    As I understand it, the price of diesel will be put up in about 12 days. No problem.

    But IMO we can't predict what is going to happen to fuel prices during the next few months or longer - obviously this depends on how this bl**dy war progresses.

    Good luck Guys !

    roo860 Star Member

    roo860

    Advanced Member
    22 hours ago, JBChiangRai said:

    Most petrol stations closed in Chiang Rai and very long queue at the only one I saw empty.

    I predict sales of EV’s to flourish.

    Was in Chiang Rai on Monday, left Tuesday morning for Chiang Khong, no problems, we were in the motorbike line, arrived Chiang Khong Tuesday easy to fill up, Phayao yesterday, no problem. Coming down the 118 back to ChiangMai, fuel stations, no queues.

    JBChiangRai Diamond Member

    JBChiangRai

    Advanced Member

    I made a point of driving past 3 stations in Chiang Rai today, the two PTT's were closed the PT had no diesel and about 8-10 cars in the queue for petrol.

    stevenl Star Member

    stevenl

    Advanced Member
    16 hours ago, TorquayFan said:

    As I understand it, the price of diesel will be put up in about 12 days. No problem.

    Maybe. What was said, is that for 2 weeks the diesel price eill be capped by the diesel fund. After that, we don't know yet.

    cynic1 Silver Member

    cynic1

    Advanced Member

    Its the same in Australia, The petrol in the underground tanks at Servos was paid for 3-4 weeks ago. Yet they raise the prices like it was bought yesterday, Bull sh,t. Solution whether its Thailand Australia etc. the Governments should freeze all price increase for a month and after that only do an incremental increase of 10% per month till this war sh..t goes away. Better than panic buying.

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