Myanmar residents have crossed the border and queued densely to refuel, making up over 50% of users. This has caused alarm among locals in Mae Sai district who fear fuel shortages and have come out to join the queue amid the impact of the Middle East conflict.
The situation in Mae Sai district today (3 Mar 2026) shows local residents becoming anxious after Myanmar people, alarmed by news of the Middle East war, brought vehicles and containers across the border to refuel, causing stations to overflow.
At fuel stations in Mae Sai district, Chiang Rai province, since early morning there have been many cars and motorcycles with Myanmar license plates crossing the border and queuing densely to refuel, making up more than 50% of customers. This has alarmed Mae Sai locals who fear running out of fuel and have come out to join in.
Two outer fuel stations have already temporarily closed due to running out of fuel and are waiting for the next quota delivery in two days. Larger fuel stations in Mae Sai town still have enough fuel for customers, except for Gasohol 95 which had run out earlier.
It is notable that besides bringing vehicles for full refueling, people have also brought containers such as jerry cans, bottles, and water tanks to purchase and stockpile fuel from stations.
At the Golden Triangle in Chiang Saen district, Chiang Rai province, following reports that the Ministry of Energy ordered a suspension of fuel exports, exports have been halted pending ministry clarification. However, on 3 Mar 2026, they began gradually releasing fuel trucks held at Ha Chiang port and expect to ease the current heavy backlog of trucks waiting to export.