(Photo: Wisudthipong Rodpai)The government is moving to ensure equitable fuel distribution after the war in the Middle East prompted panic buying across Thailand, causing long queues and shortages at petrol stations in several provinces. Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon convened an urgent meeting with oil traders and refinery representatives on Monday to address distribution delays that left some service stations temporarily without fuel. Petrol stations start to run dryDespite assurances, reports from several provinces indicate anxiety over shortages has already driven motorists to stock up. In Phangnga’s Takua Pa district, long queues formed outside petrol stations as residents and businesses rushed to buy fuel. To prioritise local demand, authorities in Mae Sot district have temporarily banned fuel sales to vehicles from Myanmar.

Source: Bangkok Post March 16, 2026 16:46 UTC