BURI RAM, THAILAND – Drivers, farmers and truckers in the Ban Kruat border district continued to queue for fuel despite a 6-baht price increase, saying they had no choice if they wanted to keep earning a living.
Fuel shortage in Buri Ram
Fuel stations in the area continued to ration supplies, leading to long waiting times. Many residents spent hours in line instead of working.
Drivers called on the government to suspend fuel exports to neighbouring countries in order to ease the domestic shortage and rising prices. The queues persisted across the Ban Kruat district, which lies along the border with Cambodia.
Price increase and reactions
The state Oil Fund announced a 6-baht price increase on Wednesday evening, prompting many people to rush to filling stations before the higher prices took effect. Some tried to top up multiple vehicles or containers before the deadline.
Even after the adjustment, long lines remained at fuel stations in the border district with Cambodia, as residents relied heavily on their vehicles. Many said the combination of higher prices and limited supplies had already disrupted daily routines.
Fears of further shortages
Locals feared that shortages could last longer because they depended on their vehicles for work. Some also wanted to store extra fuel in case border conflicts with Cambodia forced them to evacuate quickly.
Uncertainty over fuel availability led many people to check Facebook groups regularly to see where supplies were still available. Posts about which stations still had fuel spread quickly through local social media networks.
Impact on farmers
Farmer Somporn Phusarona reported difficulties finding fuel because some stations refused to fill canisters.
“I check social media every day to find out which stations still have fuel, because it runs out quickly.”
said Somporn Phusarona, farmer.
She added that without reliable fuel for machinery and transport, agricultural work had become harder to plan. The cost and uncertainty were already weighing on household incomes.
Problems for business owners
A contractor named Sak said he was heavily affected not only by rising fuel prices but also by filling limits at stations.
“My trucks are allowed to take only 1,000 baht of fuel per fill, while I usually need at least 2,000 baht to get through a full working day.”
said Sak, contractor.
He explained that reduced fuel allowances forced him to cut back on jobs and travel distances. The constraints threatened the profitability of his business and the income of his workers.