Residents in Chanthaburi and Loei are actively stocking up on fuel, fearing impacts from the Middle East war crisis that could drive prices up and cause shortages. Fuel stations confirm sufficient supply but prohibit filling fuel into containers except for regular customers, farmers, and transport groups.
A reporter stated that on 4 Mar 2026 GMT+7, the atmosphere at fuel stations in Chanthaburi and Loei provinces was bustling, with people queuing to refuel from early morning. This follows concerns that the conflict between Israel and Iran might affect fuel prices.
In Chanthaburi, many people brought vehicles and various-sized fuel containers to queue for refueling, creating long lines. This led some fuel stations to announce temporary closures due to depleted fuel stocks.
However, some locations remained open normally, such as the PTT station in Khlung branch and Bangchak Cooperative Credit station, though they awaited tanker deliveries in the afternoon, especially for diesel and 95-octane petrol, both regular and premium grades. Operators confirmed they would maintain current prices to ease public hardship.
In Loei province, vehicles continued to refuel throughout the day, driven by panic over potential fuel shortages and price hikes. Some brought containers to stockpile fuel, but stations prohibited filling containers except for regular customers in farming and transport sectors.
Ms. Salilrat Pongphaothong, owner of a PTT fuel station in Wang Saphung district, affirmed that customers should not panic as fuel is certainly sufficient, though some delivery delays may occur. She encouraged customers to continue refueling as usual.
Ms. Mayura Jaisen, manager of a Bangchak fuel station in Wang Saphung district, said that on 3 Mar the sales surged to 68,000 liters, nearly triple the usual 25,000 liters per day. The station has stopped allowing fuel to be filled into containers to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution to all customers.