The Subpayom gas station in Mae Sariang district has raised its prices following a rise in wholesale oil prices, which has driven up costs. Unlike larger stations, the government has not helped stabilize prices. The owner has decided to continue fighting but warned that if the situation becomes untenable, the station might have to temporarily close. Meanwhile, several local stations have limited fuel amounts per customer to ensure sufficient supply for residents.
On 8 March 2026, reporters visited the Subpayom gas station on Highway 108, Ban Kat subdistrict, Mae Sariang district, Mae Hong Son province. This independent, privately run station has sold fuel for many years. Owner Adul Phayomdong explained the recent price hike and said he will continue to fight despite rising wholesale fuel costs, which have increased his expenses. Because the government has not implemented price controls to help smaller stations like his, he must bear higher costs compared to major stations such as PTT.
Previously, he had decided to temporarily stop selling fuel, but this would have impacted regular customers and those running coin-operated fuel pumps who depend on his supply.
The station informed regular customers of the potential temporary halt due to unaffordable prices. However, these customers supported continuing together and accepted the price increases. This encouraged the owner to keep enduring the high costs for a while longer. He warned that if the burden becomes too great, he might have to temporarily cease fuel sales until the situation normalizes. He asked the public to understand the reasons behind the price hikes.
Currently, diesel is priced at 40.50 baht per liter, Gasohol 95 at 37.60 baht per liter, and gasoline at 46 baht per liter. The station has reported its current fuel cost situation to the provincial energy office, explaining the reasons behind the price increases at Subpayom station.
Meanwhile, several gas stations in Mae Sariang district have announced limits on fuel dispensed into tanks and containers—30 liters per person—to ensure sufficient supply for residents. Cars can still fill normally. Fuel supplies at each station remain insufficient to meet demand, with occasional temporary shortages. This is partly due to the seven-hour transport time from the fuel depot to Mae Sariang, plus about one hour to unload fuel into storage tanks. After opening for sales for about three hours, stations often run out of fuel. This pattern has continued for several days.