BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai government was considering a night-time curfew for fuel stations if tensions between Iran and the United States escalated again and pressured global oil supplies.
Government weighs fuel station curfew
Authorities in Bangkok were examining a nationwide ban on fuel station operations between 22:00 and 05:00. The potential curfew formed part of several emergency options in case of renewed military escalation in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stressed that no final decision had been made. Officials also wanted to ensure there would be no unnecessary restrictions for people with essential night-time mobility needs.
Middle East tensions raise pressure
Thailand was closely monitoring developments in the Middle East amid rising tensions between Iran and the United States. As the April standstill date approached, concern grew over the stability of global energy supplies.
The uncertainty was reflected in expectations of stronger price volatility. Thai agencies were therefore reviewing measures to better manage domestic risks.
Signal instead of strict rationing
The proposed curfew was also seen as a signal intended to underline the seriousness of the situation. It could encourage motorists to save fuel and adjust their consumption.
Analysts warned that volatile energy prices could weigh on the broader economy and fuel fears of stagflation. Policymakers were seeking tools that could influence behaviour without immediately imposing sweeping restrictions.
Impact on drivers and station operators
Suwatchai Pitakwongsaporn, president and CEO of Atlas Energy Plc, expected that closing hours would alter refuelling patterns. Motorists would likely fill up earlier in the day if night-time hours disappeared.
At the same time, he acknowledged that fuel station operators would have to anticipate lower sales. However, he considered the adjustment manageable once consumers adapted to new routines.
LPG boom as cheaper alternative
In parallel with the debate, demand for alternatives, especially automotive gas (LPG), was increasing. In March, the number of vehicle conversions reportedly doubled from 400 to 800 units after the Middle East conflict intensified.
One driver was cost: an LPG conversion, including tank and engine tuning, cost about 20,000 to 25,000 baht. By contrast, a new electric car started at a reported minimum of 400,000 baht, making LPG more attractive for lower-income groups.
EVs remain second cars for higher earners
Electric vehicles in Thailand were regarded as a clean option for city traffic but were often perceived as a luxury product. This stood in contrast to political expectations of broad mass adoption.
Industry representatives also reported falling resale values for EVs, which dampened perceptions of their long-term value. In addition, many buyers already owned a combustion-engine vehicle, so electric cars were frequently used as a second car.
Diesel prices and supply concerns
The report pointed to further increases in diesel prices, adding pressure on households and businesses. This intensified cost burdens and accelerated the search for cheaper alternatives.
Possible delivery disruptions and damage to energy infrastructure in the Middle East were cited as key risks. Refineries and LNG facilities were reportedly among the assets that could be affected, complicating a rapid return to normal supply.
Lengthy repairs, prolonged high prices
Even if tensions eased, repairs to damaged infrastructure could take a long time. Industry estimates in the report suggested it could take two to three years for supply conditions to fully recover.
This pointed to persistently elevated oil prices that were likely to continue shaping political and economic decisions in Thailand. Companies were already responding with adjustments, including cost-cutting and more flexible work models.
PTT seeks to diversify crude sources
Thailand had previously sourced 51% of its crude oil from the Middle East, according to the report. State energy company PTT Plc therefore announced plans to diversify procurement and increase purchases of crude from North and South America as well as Africa.
At the same time, the government feared that a fuel station curfew could further damage already fragile consumer sentiment. Confidence had reportedly fallen sharply in March and was seen as an important factor for economic development.