Residents in Pattaya rushed to fuel stations late on 1 April after authorities confirmed a sharp increase in fuel prices, leading to long queues and temporary shortages across the city.

The price adjustments were approved by the Oil Fuel Fund Committee (OFC), with the largest increases affecting diesel fuels. The new rates came into effect at 05:00 on 2 April.

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Sharp rise in fuel prices

Under the changes, diesel and Super Power Diesel prices rose by 3.50 baht per litre, while gasoline and gasohol increased by 1.20 baht per litre.

The announcement triggered a surge in demand as motorists sought to fill their tanks before the higher prices took effect.

Fuel stations across Pattaya became crowded within hours, with lines forming from around 20:00 and continuing late into the night.

Stations overwhelmed by demand

Reports from local media described queues stretching for long distances, with some spilling onto Sukhumvit Road.

Cars, motorcycles, buses and vans lined up at stations, while some operators arrived with containers to store fuel for immediate use.

Several stations temporarily ran out of fuel and were forced to close as demand exceeded supply.

Some residents said they left their homes late at night, including in sleepwear, to secure fuel before the price increase came into force.

Impact on transport and businesses

The rise in diesel prices has raised concerns among drivers and small business operators, particularly those in the transport and tourism sectors.

Boat operators and fishing businesses were among those queuing with containers, saying they needed fuel for daily operations rather than stockpiling.

Public transport workers also warned that rising costs could affect their livelihoods.

A local songthaew driver, Banchong Bun Sai, said higher fuel prices were making it increasingly difficult for drivers to earn a living.

He said some drivers who rent vehicles had already stopped working because they could no longer cover both rental and fuel costs.

Growing economic pressure

Drivers and business owners expressed concern that continued increases could place further strain on already tight budgets.

Diesel prices are expected to rise to more than 44 baht per litre following the latest adjustment, adding to operating costs for transport services.

Many said the increase could have wider effects on the local economy, particularly in a city heavily dependent on tourism and transport services.

Some residents called for government action to address rising fuel costs and support those most affected.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now Source 2 Apr 2026

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Hope it wipes out the baht bus business forever....

10 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Hope it wipes out the baht bus business forever....

And force the already poor minority to use more expensive transport... great idea

10 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

I can see Shipping Charges on Lazada , Shopee etc will be going up, if delivery is at all possible.

Well here's hoping only quality Tourists spending their Well earned cash come to Thailand

Instead of the ones causing problems on low budgets

So an 'average' petrol engined car owner rushes to put say 40-50 litres in the tank, saving a whopping 50-60 baht or so.

Said owner maybe had a 10-20 km round trip to get to the filling station, where he/she sat in the car in a queue with engine idling to keep the a/c on - this all using a litre or two of petrol at c. 40 baht a litre ...

25 minutes ago, PJ71 said:

Hope it wipes out the baht bus business forever....

Maybe the increase in the fuel price will encourage some people to use a baht bus instead a car, thus reducing traffic congestion.

2 minutes ago, BKKBike09 said:

So an 'average' petrol engined car owner rushes to put say 40-50 litres in the tank, saving a whopping 50-60 baht or so.

Said owner maybe had a 10-20 km round trip to get to the filling station, where he/she sat in the car in a queue with engine idling to keep the a/c on - this all using a litre or two of petrol at c. 40 baht a litre ...

Maybe you live in the jungle, but here in the Pattaya area, which is the topic of this thread, when I drive 20km I will have passed at least 20 gas stations.

What seemed very strange to me is that when I topped up the evening before the diesel price went from 38.94 to 40.74, the usually very busy station was completely empty of cars.

When I passed there again the next day, there were long queues again.

I notice traffic here in Pattaya, and surroundings is much reduced for the past few days.

How much diesel could we get if we refined Trump, the culprit?

Ouch

Will it dampen the Songkran mass exodus?

Or will they have the courage to issue driving bans?

1 hour ago, PJ71 said:

Hope it wipes out the baht bus business forever....

It may wipe another shortage!

49 minutes ago, Peter Crow said:

How much diesel could we get if we refined Trump, the culprit?

You only get fertilizer out of it.

32 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

Ouch

Starts to look like it pays off to top up, every time you pass a pump, even if it's only a few liters.

Looks like a lot of country people voted for a new government ( not in the city areas) who seemingly are not going to help restrain price hikes. As foreign press reported Thais more than for a decade voted more conservative & pro establishment which means nothing really will change.

Here in Phetchabun, we've had long lines and no diesel for a couple of weeks. When you did find a place and stand in line, you were limited to THB500. That just changed a couple of days ago, and now there are no lines and plenty of diesel and gasohol, and you can fill up your tank.

Kamp Phaeng Phet city today I do not see any lines and travel through the city on AH-1 North and South very little traffic most are transports heading North. Fuel trucks more than usual from what I have seen in the past and has been for several days.

1 hour ago, KhunBENQ said:

Ouch

Cheap prices

I had to drive to Pathum Thani Immigration last Tuesday to submit a "90days report "( they require it to be done in person if you've exited TH since last report)

Traffic was slightly lighter and petrol stations still seemed to have something on offer.

Only 1 or 2 with a small queue.

BUT, driving style has not changed.

Still racing down the highway, aggressive passing, only to meet up alongside at the next traffic lights.

Obviously (almost) nobody has ever learnt about achieving fuel economy

Slower speed

Constant speed

No pumping the pedal..

etc, etc.

As a pilot, one learns from the start ( in piston engined aircraft) about economy/best range,

Normal cruise, and max power settings.

Thai drivers (and others worldwide) could get far greater economy and range adopting these basics.....not to forget the monetary savings!!

And ESPECIALLY in a fuel shortage "crisis" !

For the first time in weeks I was able to fill my pickup this morning instead of a 500B restriction.

Happy days, hopefully the price stays high.

I think it’s fair to recognize that in front of an announced hike in prices, you would expect a buying rush ahead of the hike.. but.. given the apparent already thinly stretched logistical supply chain to retail outlets, I’d wonder if it’s a net better move to forgothe early announce..sure it takes away people’s ability to “save”a bit.. but I wonder if that’s enough of a benefit to potentially reduce occurrences like this - massive lines and short term shortages

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Will it dampen the Songkran mass exodus?

Will it dampen the Songkran mass exodus?

Will it dampen the Songkran mass exodus?.....Let's Hope So......

49 minutes ago, orchidfan said:

I had to drive to Pathum Thani Immigration last Tuesday to submit a "90days report "( they require it to be done in person if you've exited TH since last report)

Traffic was slightly lighter and petrol stations still seemed to have something on offer.

Only 1 or 2 with a small queue.

BUT, driving style has not changed.

Still racing down the highway, aggressive passing, only to meet up alongside at the next traffic lights.

Obviously (almost) nobody has ever learnt about achieving fuel economy

Slower speed

Constant speed

No pumping the pedal..

etc, etc.

As a pilot, one learns from the start ( in piston engined aircraft) about economy/best range,

Normal cruise, and max power settings.

Thai drivers (and others worldwide) could get far greater economy and range adopting these basics.....not to forget the monetary savings!!

And ESPECIALLY in a fuel shortage "crisis" !

BUT, driving style has not changed.

Still racing down the highway, aggressive passing, only to meet up alongside at the next traffic lights.....

THAT Will NEVER Change.......T.I.T !!!

2 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

Will it dampen the Songkran mass exodus?

Or will they have the courage to issue driving bans?

Or will they have the courage to issue driving bans?.....

Now You are just being " SILLY "

With Today's Price Hike I Make that "Almost " 201 Baht A GALLON Here....I Think that's MORE Expensive than The U.K. If my calculations are correct....

3 hours ago, BKKBike09 said:

So an 'average' petrol engined car owner rushes to put say 40-50 litres in the tank, saving a whopping 50-60 baht or so.

Said owner maybe had a 10-20 km round trip to get to the filling station, where he/she sat in the car in a queue with engine idling to keep the a/c on - this all using a litre or two of petrol at c. 40 baht a litre ...

Maybe learn to calculate, that would be more like 400-500 baht. If a Thai needs a few full tanks a month that is significant, specially assuming he earns 12,000-15,000 net per month. Just a 5 baht increase easily dents a grab driver net income by 10-20%

17 minutes ago, Blueman1 said:

With Today's Price Hike I Make that "Almost " 201 Baht A GALLON Here....I Think that's MORE Expensive than The U.K. If my calculations are correct....

No, you need to go back to maths class. Currently about £1.50 a litre in the UK, which is around £8 a gallon, about 330 baht.

As a percentage increase in price, though, Thailand is higher,

With the against all odds but predictable rise in the Baht the Brits will be soon feeling more at home with fuel prices here hurry up with the ex-turbanation Don,Don 🤔

3 hours ago, Peter Crow said:

How much diesel could we get if we refined Trump, the culprit?

Think that would amount to a barrel of lard.

53 minutes ago, Blueman1 said:

With Today's Price Hike I Make that "Almost " 201 Baht A GALLON Here....I Think that's MORE Expensive than The U.K. If my calculations are correct....

Your calculations are of the standard of Diane abbot. Hang your innumerate head in shame...

4 hours ago, PJ71 said:

Hope it wipes out the baht bus business forever....

Why? April fools?