PATTAYA, THAILAND – Vehicles lined up bumper-to-bumper at fuel stations on 4 March after rumours claimed Thailand’s oil reserves would last only 60 days, prompting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to dismiss the claims and call for calm.
Long queues spilling into the streets
Reporters in central Pattaya observed unusually heavy demand at fuel stations, with vehicles backing up into surrounding streets. The queues grew long enough to disrupt traffic patterns well beyond the forecourts.
Many drivers tried to fill both their tanks and fuel canisters as a precaution, further intensifying already dense traffic around the stations. The rush to secure supplies turned normally busy junctions into extended waiting lanes.
The 60-day rumour as the spark
The trigger was circulating claims and misinformation that national fuel reserves would last only 60 days and that a shortage was imminent. These assertions spread quickly through the community and on social channels.
Within a short time, the rumour reached people who did not urgently need fuel but still drove out to refuel “to be on the safe side.” This behaviour added to demand and lengthened waiting times at multiple locations across Pattaya.
Middle East conflict fuels anxiety
In many conversations on site, residents cited fears that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could disrupt global supply chains. They specifically mentioned concerns related to Iran, Israel and the United States.
At the centre of these worries was a possible longer-term closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipments. A prolonged disruption there was widely perceived as a risk to Thailand’s access to international fuel supplies.
Voices from Pattaya – livelihood fears at the pump
One resident explained that he depended on his vehicle every day for work and income and feared direct financial losses if fuel became scarce. Losing access to fuel, he said, would immediately affect his ability to earn a living.
“Hearing that supplies might only last 60 days made me afraid, so I rushed to top up in advance,”
said the resident, adding that he would be unable to work if the worst-case scenario materialised. His comments reflected wider anxieties among workers reliant on daily travel.
Premier Anutin rejects panic
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made a public appearance to calm the situation, stating that fuel supplies in Thailand remained normal despite tensions in the Middle East. He underlined that current deliveries and reserves were sufficient.
He stressed there was no reason for panic and that the government had the situation under control while closely monitoring developments. Anutin called on the public to rely on official information rather than speculation.
PTT, legal safeguards and alternative sources
Anutin pointed out that major Thai oil companies operated under PTT, in which the state held a majority stake, and that supplies were supported by energy security laws. These legal frameworks were designed to stabilise the market and protect consumers.
He also made clear that national reserves were not limited to “only 60 days” and that Thailand could source fuel from regions outside the Middle East. According to Anutin, diversification options reduced the risk of a sudden, nationwide shortage.
Authorities warn against hoarding as concern lingers
The prime minister instructed relevant agencies to provide accurate information on a continuous basis in order to clear up misunderstandings and avoid unnecessary alarm. Officials were tasked with countering rumours promptly and transparently.
Despite these appeals, the steady flow of customers to Pattaya fuel stations did not ease during the day. Authorities across Thailand urged calm and advised against hoarding fuel, noting similar queues had appeared in other parts of the country as the rumour spread.