PATTAYA, THAILAND – A planned fuel price increase triggered a rush on gas stations in Pattaya on Wednesday night, with kilometre-long queues and some outlets temporarily running dry.
Price shock sparks rush on gas stations
Many residents reacted with shock on Wednesday evening when news spread of another hike in fuel prices. Hundreds drove to gas stations late into the night to fill up before the deadline.
Between 8 p.m. and midnight on 1 April, numerous stations were overwhelmed as car and motorcycle owners, as well as transport service operators, tried to refuel at the same time. The surge led to traffic jams and tense scenes at the pumps.
Oil Fuel Fund Committee decision
According to major media reports, the Oil Fuel Fund Committee (OFC) decided in a meeting to adjust retail prices for most fuel types. The changes covered both diesel and gasoline, as well as Gasohol.
The steepest increases hit diesel and Super Power Diesel, which rose by 3.50 baht per litre. Gasoline and all Gasohol grades went up by 1.20 baht per litre.
New prices take effect early morning
The new fuel prices were scheduled to take effect at 5:00 a.m. on 2 April 2026. This early start time added pressure on motorists to fill up the night before.
Many drivers sought to avoid the higher costs and used the final hours before the change to refuel. As a result, demand was concentrated into a brief time window of just a few hours.
Long queues and empty pumps
Reporters observed long lines of cars, vans, motorcycles, public transport vehicles and buses snaking through gas station forecourts. In some places, queues stretched for kilometres, reaching as far as Sukhumvit Road.
Several gas stations reported that certain fuel types had run out and they had to close temporarily. This pushed even more customers toward the remaining open stations, intensifying the rush.
Residents arrive in pyjamas
Some residents who had already prepared to go to bed quickly threw on whatever clothes were at hand and drove straight to the pumps. There were also reports of people arriving in nightwear or home clothes after the news circulated.
The spontaneous response underlined how sensitive many households were to changes in fuel prices. In a city with heavy traffic and commuter flows like Pattaya, even a few baht per litre could directly affect daily expenses.
Tourism and boat operators secure operations
Tourism boat operators also joined the queues, including speedboat owners, large passenger ferries and fishers. They brought 20-litre containers to purchase diesel needed for daily operations.
They stressed that this was not stockpiling but fuel required for work the next day. At the same time, they warned that any future shortages could force them to suspend services temporarily.
“It is not about hoarding, but about what we need for work the next day.”
said one boat operator, explaining the urgency of refuelling.
Songthaew driver warns of public transport crisis
The 65-year-old Songthaew driver Banchong Bun Sai, known as “Uncle Jong”, also queued to fill his diesel vehicle. He said that rising diesel prices were making the situation increasingly unsustainable for drivers.
“Drivers who rent vehicles have already stopped working because they can no longer cover rent and fuel costs.”
said Banchong Bun Sai, describing the pressure on colleagues.
He cited a current diesel price of 40.74 baht per litre and expected it to rise to 44.24 baht after the increase, while expressing hope for rapid government intervention.
“If diesel really goes up to 44.24 baht per litre, we urgently need the government to step in.”
said Banchong, calling for support.
Growing concerns among drivers and small businesses
The sudden rush reflected widespread uncertainty among drivers, small business owners and workers in tourism-related sectors. Many depended heavily on affordable diesel for transport, deliveries and daily travel.
There were fears that higher costs would squeeze already thin margins even further. In Pattaya, where mobility and services were closely linked to tourism, rising fuel prices could quickly affect both prices and the availability of local services.