Panic Buying of Fuel Erupts in Many Parts of Thailand: Gas Stations Run Dry, Motorists Queue for 3 Kilometers

Recently, some provincial capitals in Thailand have seen a "fuel rush," with some gas stations temporarily selling out of fuel. Due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, panic buying of fuel has broken out in several parts of Thailand during the early morning hours. Reports of tight fuel supply have spread, and large numbers of vehicles have queued overnight to refuel, with vehicle lines stretching for several kilometers in some areas. Several gas stations have run out of diesel and 95-octane gasoline, resulting in rationing measures.

According to Thai media reports, provinces experiencing the "fuel rush" include Sing Buri, Nakhon Phanom, Buri Ram, Tak, and Mae Sot District along the Thailand-Myanmar border. These areas are mainly in the northeast and border regions.

According to local media, in the city center of Sing Buri, many gas stations had long lines already in the early morning. Some stations ran out of diesel quickly, and many motorists queued for a long time but still left empty-handed. Some people ran out of fuel while driving around the city in search of open stations and had to leave their vehicles at the gas station waiting for fuel trucks to arrive and replenish supplies.

In Nakhon Phanom, some small gas stations temporarily closed due to reduced quotas, forcing vehicles to crowd into larger branded stations and causing severe congestion. Some stations limited refueling to 1,000 to 2,000 baht per transaction, and transport operators complained that their trips were disrupted.

An interviewed transport driver explained that while a single trip normally required about 7,000 baht in fuel, the new rationing measures meant he now had to make multiple stops for fuel along the route, resulting in extended trip times and affecting the condition of livestock onboard.

In Mae Sot, Tak Province, large numbers of vehicles began queuing at gas stations as early as 4 a.m., with vehicle lines stretching over 3 kilometers. Some gas stations prioritized fuel for local residents and limited ordinary cars to 500 baht per refuel, trucks to 100 liters, and large trucks to 200 liters. Police and administrative officials were dispatched to maintain order and prevent conflicts from escalating.

By that morning, many gas stations had depleted their inventories and posted "Out of Fuel" signs. Local authorities expected a new batch of fuel trucks to arrive and replenish stock by that afternoon.

Fuel Rationing in Buri Ram Impacts Tourism

In Buri Ram, many gas stations put up signs stating that diesel was sold out. In some areas, it was recommended that four-wheeled vehicles limit each refueling to 500 baht, six-wheeled or larger vehicles to 1,000 baht, and prohibiting sales to containers not measured by the fuel pump, as a measure against hoarding.

The head of a tour bus company said they had tried several stations but still couldn't fill their tanks, expressing concern that their schedule for the next day would be affected.

Annual Rail Losses May Reach 18 Billion Baht

Rising fuel prices have also impacted the railway system. According to the State Railway of Thailand, trains across the country use about 8 to 9 million liters of diesel a month, costing up to 270 million baht per month. With fuel prices rising, operating costs continue to rise as well, and annual losses are expected to reach 18 billion baht.

The railway sector stated that current fuel reserves are still sufficient and train operations have not been affected, but if fuel prices continue to surge, financial pressures will increase further.

In response to panic buying, the Thai government held an emergency meeting. After presiding over a meeting monitoring the Middle East situation, Anutin emphasized that the country's fuel supplies are sufficient, with current crude oil reserves able to last for about 96 days. He said the current problem is mainly due to transportation and distribution bottlenecks, not an actual shortage.

Energy Minister Atthapon stated that orders have been issued to deploy more fuel trucks, increase delivery frequency, and expand individual shipment volumes to accelerate restocking at gas stations across the country. The Thai government has called on the public not to believe false news on social media, to avoid panic buying and hoarding, and has promised to strengthen logistical coordination to restore normal supplies and order.