PHUKET, THAILAND – Authorities on Phuket moved to calm motorists after panic buying of fuel caused temporary shortages at gas stations despite adequate supplies.
Panic buying empties pumps
For several days, gas stations on the tourist island saw chaotic scenes, with drivers lining up for kilometers, filling jerrycans and stockpiling fuel. Many residents and transport operators rushed to refuel out of fear of soaring oil prices linked to the war in the Middle East.
“Many residents and transport operators have been filling up much more frequently than usual,”
said Rattakorn Klinchan, head of the Phuket Energy Office.
Demand at local stations reportedly doubled within a short period. Instead of 10,000 liters per day, more than 20,000 liters were sold per station, pushing logistics to their limits.
The real supply situation
Officials stressed that there was no actual fuel shortage on the island. Deliveries by tanker truck from fuel depots in Surat Thani continued daily, arriving on time and in regular intervals.
“The overall fuel stock is completely sufficient,”
emphasized Rattakorn. He explained that brief shortages at individual stations arose only because many people tried to refuel at the same time, not because fuel itself was lacking.
Why fears were unfounded
Many motorists were worried that the conflict in the Middle East could disrupt oil imports to Thailand. Experts countered that concern, noting that only 40 percent of Thai oil imports passed through the Strait of Hormuz, while the rest came from other regions, including Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.
Even if that route were to fail, Thailand still had its own refineries and strategic fuel reserves for several months. According to officials, the current situation did not resemble a genuine energy crisis.
Government steps in
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had already taken measures to shield consumers from price shocks. The diesel price was legally frozen until 17 March.
In addition, the national oil fund could be activated to cushion price fluctuations. The government signaled its determination to protect the public.
“We have enough tools to keep prices stable,”
assured Rattakorn.
Appeal for calm
Authorities issued a strong appeal to end hoarding at the pumps.
“People should only fill up as much as they really need,”
warned Rattakorn. He said that those who filled unnecessary reserve containers were creating exactly the problem they were trying to avoid.
Officials underlined that empty pumps were not the result of a genuine supply crisis. Instead, they were a direct consequence of panic buying by motorists.
What drivers were advised to do
Motorists who needed fuel were told they could continue to visit gas stations as normal. Short waiting times were possible, but resupply was on the way and the distribution chain remained intact.
Authorities said panic purchases were pointless and could undermine stable supply for everyone. The government guaranteed that there was enough fuel for all drivers on the island and urged them to remain calm and continue their journeys as usual.