Dry pump fear spikes demandSeveral petrol stations across the country have run out of fuel, while others started imposing limits on fuel purchases on Sunday, as motorists rushed to fill their tanks amid fears of a possible shortage and a price hike sparked by the war in the Middle East. In Tak's Mae Sot district, motorists began queuing at petrol stations as early as 5am. Some stations limited diesel purchases to 300 baht per vehicle to ensure fair distribution. Stations run by private operators in Chumphon and Ranong reported fuel demand rising by 200–300%. Operators capped diesel purchases in containers at 50 litres to prevent hoarding, as some traders were stockpiling fuel ahead of a possible price increase on Wednesday, after the current diesel price subsidies expire.

Source: Bangkok Post March 15, 2026 13:52 UTC