HUA HIN, THAILAND – Fuel stations in Hua Hin imposed temporary filling limits as demand in Prachuap Khiri Khan province rose sharply, while authorities warned against panic buying and stressed that national supplies remained stable.
500 baht per vehicle as temporary ceiling
Several stations in the resort town limited sales to 500 baht per vehicle in an effort to stretch supplies until the next delivery arrived.
Operators said demand had clearly increased over recent days following adjustments to diesel and gasohol prices, leading to heavier traffic at the pumps.
First measures visible at Caltex in Hua Na
The limits first became noticeable on the morning of 16 March at a Caltex station in Hua Na, where customers were also asked not to fill spare cans or auxiliary tanks.
According to the operators, tanker trucks were still on their way, forcing the station to manage its existing stocks carefully until the new shipment reached Hua Hin.
Closed station in Hin Lek Fai highlights pressure
On the same day, a closed fuel station was reported in the Hin Lek Fai area, underscoring the pressure on individual outlets within the local supply network.
Other providers soon followed, including PTT stations, which also introduced temporary limits on sales to motorists.
Demand reportedly about twice the usual level
Fuel station operators described current demand as roughly double the usual level, causing allocated volumes to run out more quickly than planned.
They reported that deliveries of about 16,000 liters, which would normally last four to five days, were now being used up significantly faster.
Certain fuel types temporarily scarce
Because fuel was selling so quickly, some specific products could be sold out at times until fresh tanker deliveries arrived at the stations.
Operators emphasized that they were not holding back fuel, saying they planned distribution on a daily basis and coordinated closely with state agencies to monitor stocks.
Authorities warn against panic buying and inspect stations
Officials pointed out that nationwide reserves remained stable and warned that panic buying could be the very cause of local shortages.
After the decision to raise the diesel price cap to a maximum of 33 baht per liter and to adjust it gradually to market conditions, the Provincial Commerce Office and Provincial Energy Office carried out regular inspections at fuel stations and reminded operators not to refuse sales.