Fuel shortages have been reported in several provinces, with long queues forming at petrol stations overnight and “out of fuel” signs becoming a common sight as supply remains tight.
At a petrol station in Chai Nat’s Muang district on Thursday, motorists said they began lining up at 4pm on Wednesday.
Niwat Promthong, a 38-year-old transport driver, said that the situation has made life increasingly difficult.
“I had to come to the station a day ahead because I’m afraid supplies will run out before my work starts,” he said.
The station said it was prioritising farmers and had reserved about 600 litres of fuel for ambulances, rescue and emergency vehicles.
In Phayao, many petrol stations have put up “out of fuel” signs, while those which stayed open were packed with cars and motorbikes. Trucks and commercial vehicles could be seen queuing from as early as 4am to refuel.
Petrol station operators in the province said that supply allocations have been inconsistent, forcing them to limit sales or temporarily close some pumps to manage daily stock.
Many residents expressed concern that the shortages could disrupt daily life, increase transport costs and push up prices of
goods.
In Chiang Mai, Narong Boonma, a pickup driver transporting fresh produce, said that business has become much harder.
“I’ve done this job for years. I’ve survived the Covid-19 pandemic and high fuel prices before, but now it’s really difficult. Not only is fuel hard to find, but customers are also fewer because the economy is slow,” he said.
A market vendor said that the disruptions are affecting supply chains, with some long-haul truck drivers reluctant to take jobs for fear of running out of fuel en route.
“We can’t place orders for fresh fruits. It isn’t because they don’t have the produce, but drivers refuse to take long-haul trips, such as Pathum Thani-Chiang Mai, because they fear running out of fuel on the way,” she said.
Speaking after inspecting an oil depot in Pathum Thani, which delivers fuel to 200 stations in the central provinces, Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon downplayed concerns about hoarding before assuring the depot will continue to operate 24 hours.
He acknowledged the long queues, which he said are caused by demand surges, before saying the relevant agencies are working to ensure fuel is delivered nationwide as quickly as possible.
Mr Auttapol also warned of repercussions against those found overcharging or stockpiling fuel.
Meanwhile, interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat said the ministry will monitor fuel stocks at petrol stations in every district nationwide to ensure supplies are managed efficiently.
Source: Bangkok Post