BANGKOK, THAILAND – Fears of higher fuel costs sent unusually large numbers of motorists to petrol stations in and around Bangkok on 16 March, ahead of the scheduled end of Thailand’s diesel price cap on 17 March.
Fear of “day X” at the pump
Reporters observed heavy crowds at stations in Bangkok and neighbouring provinces on 16 March, as many motorists anticipated a price hike once the government measure expired. The uncertainty centred on how the state would handle future regulation, with no formal announcement yet issued by the responsible authorities.
The lack of clear information left both drivers and operators waiting for guidance on whether the cap would be extended or replaced. In this vacuum, speculation about imminent increases in fuel prices intensified concerns among everyday commuters and professional drivers alike.
Routine operations but longer queues
Spot checks in the morning found that stations were generally operating as normal, with sufficient fuel reported on site to meet daily demand. Staff said supplies were still adequate despite the sudden rise in customer numbers.
At larger facilities, however, long queues formed at times, while smaller stations were less crowded but occasionally reported temporary sell-outs of certain fuel types. Localised shortages added to the sense of unease, even as overall supply was described as stable.
First limits – 1,000 baht per vehicle
One station employee said a steady stream of customers had been arriving since early morning, prompting the outlet to cap sales at 1,000 baht per vehicle.
“Because very many customers have been coming continuously since the morning, the station has limited the amount to a maximum of 1,000 baht per vehicle.”
said the employee.
She stressed that this cap was a local decision by individual branches rather than a nationwide rule.
“This restriction is a local decision by some branches; details on any further rules or an extension of the price cap can only be given after an official order.”
said the staff member.
PTT manager – Gasohol 95 often gone by afternoon
The manager of a PTT petrol station said the number of customers had been rising steadily since 3 March, with a notable surge in recent days.
“Since 3 March the number of fuel customers has been increasing continuously, especially clearly in the past few days.”
said the manager.
Demand was highest for Gasohol 95, which had frequently sold out by afternoon.
“Gasohol 95 has been the most in demand and has often been sold out already in the afternoon, although the daily delivery volumes have still been sufficient to keep operations running from day to day.”
said the PTT manager.
Voices from the street – between understanding and existential fears
Pickup driver Sophon said he was not panicking, noting that fuel prices fluctuated depending on conditions.
“I am not fundamentally panicked, because in my view fuel prices move anyway depending on the situation, but if prices rise without incomes increasing, I will have to replan my expenses.”
said Sophon.
Vendor driver Tang, who operates a daily sales truck and normally buys 500 to 700 baht of diesel per day, worried about the knock-on effects of stricter limits or higher prices.
“If limits become stricter or prices rise, I fear higher operating costs, right up to more expensive goods and packaging.”
said Tang.
Uncertainty spreads beyond Bangkok
Driver Chalao, who travelled from Chonburi to Bangkok, reported local caps of sometimes 500 baht per vehicle.
“On my way from Chonburi I saw local limits of up to 500 baht per vehicle, so I do not know how much I will be able to refuel for the trip back.”
said Chalao.
A Bangkok motorist identified only as A said he usually filled his tank completely but was now facing much longer waits, partly because some customers were also filling portable containers.
“I normally fill up fully, but at the moment I am waiting significantly longer because some customers are also filling canisters, and I am calling for quick clarity from the authorities in case there are supply stoppages or noticeable price increases.”
said A.
The key figure – 29.94 baht per litre of diesel
The rush was triggered by the expected end of the state cap that had held the diesel price at around 29.94 baht per litre. This benchmark became the focal point of public debate as motorists tried to anticipate future costs.
Whether the rule would be extended or adjusted remained the subject of speculation, as a binding decision from the relevant agencies was still pending. Until that decision was revealed, both drivers and station operators were left to navigate a climate of heightened uncertainty.