BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thailand’s government rejected warnings of a nationwide fuel crisis even as parts of the north reported temporary diesel and gasoline shortages.
Government leans on delivery plans instead of panic
Energy Minister Atthapol Rerkpiboon said on 10 March that the country was not facing a fuel crisis despite the war in the Middle East, because supplies were being delivered gradually according to plan and available storage capacity.
He stressed there was no reason for hoarding, even though sales had temporarily risen sharply in some regions due to public concern.
90‑day threshold and contingency measures
If the conflict lasted longer than 90 days, Atthapol announced additional measures to secure supply.
He mentioned new suppliers, more flexible import rules for refined products, an expansion of biofuels and possible export restrictions so that reserves remained in the country.
Chiang Mai reports local diesel and octane shortages
While Bangkok sent reassuring signals, many outlets in Chiang Mai reported that diesel and 91–95 octane gasoline were temporarily sold out and some stations had to close until the next delivery.
A central problem was logistics, as transport delays slowed distribution and some stations now required four or five deliveries a day instead of three.
Gasohol price gap used to push E20
In parallel with the third week of the war, PTT and Bangchak adjusted pump prices, widening the gap between Gasohol 95 and E20 from about 2 baht to 3 baht per litre.
The move was based on the hope that motorists would switch to E20, which contains 20% ethanol, is intended to cut demand for petroleum‑based fuels and supports domestic biofuel production.
Mae Sariang: 40.50 baht per litre and still queues
During an inspection by trade and energy authorities at an independent station in Mae Sariang district in Mae Hong Son, diesel was found selling for 40.50 baht per litre, well above the usual market level.
The operator presented purchase invoices showing he had bought diesel from a wholesaler in Lampang for 39.40 baht, and the authorities confirmed the price as cost‑based but at the same time warned against hoarding or missing price displays.
Containers, canisters and neighbourhood effect drain depots
In Chiang Mai’s Ruam Chok area, reporters observed shortages at a PT station after people rapidly filled their tanks and additional canisters, quickly depleting stocks at the station and its depot.
At other stations in the province where fuel was still available, the situation on 10 March remained relatively calm because many vehicle owners had already filled up the previous day.
Interior Ministry puts provinces in crisis mode
The Interior Ministry ordered all governors in the 76 provinces to closely monitor demand and supply, prevent hoarding and protect economic activity.
Arsit Sampantharat, permanent secretary at the Interior Ministry, said on 10 March that the directive followed consultations on 9 March and was issued on the orders of Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Data collection, priorities and keeping the economy running
Provinces were instructed to quickly assess their needs, while energy agencies were to collect data on private demand for oil and LPG by sector and report it as a database to the Energy Ministry.
At the same time, governors had to prepare local support plans to maintain supply and everyday life without disruption, while authorities monitored distribution and storage jointly with energy and trade offices.