Motorists across Thailand, including in Bangkok, have been panic-buying petrol and diesel over fears that oil prices will rise and shortages may occur as a result of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
They have been flocking to petrol stations despite reassurances from the government that it will handle the situation, which has not yet reached a critical point. In Bangkok yesterday, long queues of cars and motorcycles formed, some stretching along the street, as people lined up to refuel.
Some drivers explained that they decided to fill up now out of concern that the situation abroad could worsen and cause a short-term spike in retail prices.
One of them said he was simply refueling as usual but chose to do so early after noticing the growing crowds at the gas station.
In light of the rising public anxiety, Thai authorities are urging the public to remain calm, assuring them that there are adequate fuel reserves and that measures are in place to prevent shortages.
Despite these assurances, however, the rush to fill up continues.
In the border province of Mae Hong Son, fuel stocks at some filling stations have begun to run out.
There was heavy traffic and long waiting times at the largest PTT gas station in the province early in the morning. The station’s diesel reserves were depleted quickly, and people were asked to return in the afternoon.
Staff at the station confirmed that all diesel reserves had been cleared, but new fuel supplies were expected to arrive later in the day.
Many locals attempting to stock up brought various containers to the station in which to store fuel.
In an effort to prevent hoarding, all four gas stations in the province have implemented strict measures, banning the purchase of fuel in large containers for storage.
This has led to frustration among residents, who insisted that the fuel was for agricultural purposes.
They then had to transfer the fuel from their motorcycles into the containers and return to refuel their motorcycles again.
Meanwhile, in Chainat, local residents also crowded filling stations yesterday. Starting the previous afternoon, locals have been steadily refueling, with many bringing fuel containers to stock up for the uncertain future.
A local gas station owner explained that the station had been forced to ration the amount of fuel being sold to each customer.
Some stations even had to close early when fuel supplies ran out, but they assured customers that new shipments were on their way.
In Chiang Mai, there were long queues at gas stations across the city. Multiple gas stations in central Chiang Mai have been overwhelmed with customers. At some locations, lines stretch along the roads, causing traffic congestion.
Some stations ran out of fuel and had to close early, while others announced temporary shortages.
