In Roi Et, many small gas stations are closing because fuel costs have surged. The government does not help fix prices as it does for large stations, even though all pay the same taxes. It was revealed that diesel is now purchased at 38-39 baht per liter.
The impact of the Middle East war crisis has caused nationwide concern in Thailand about potential fuel shortages. In many provinces, people rushed to stockpile fuel for their cars, motorcycles, agriculture, and general business use. Additionally, oil companies have announced price hikes, creating significant disruption in several provinces.
On 9 March 2026 in Roi Et province, reporters observed that a small gas station in Ban Natom, Phu Ngoen Subdistrict, Selaphum District, had clearly covered its diesel and gasoline pumps with cloths as a signal to customers that fuel sales were closed.
Mrs. Phuean Sonsawat, owner of this station, explained the reason was that she could not source fuel to sell. Normally, as a small station, she buys fuel from larger stations, but this time the large stations had run out of fuel. She could not replenish her stock, so she temporarily closed sales. When attempting to buy fuel directly, she found diesel costs had risen to at least 30 baht per liter, making it impossible to sell at the government-fixed price of 29.94 baht per liter.
Meanwhile, Mr. Charee Nambunlue, owner of Chai Charee gas station in Khwao Subdistrict, Selaphum District, said he now must sell diesel at 36 baht or more per liter because his purchase cost was 33-34 baht per liter, a price set before 8 March 2026. However, by the next morning, wholesale diesel prices had risen to around 39 baht per liter. He expressed concern that customers might view small stations as overpriced, possibly leading to temporary closures. Yet, if customers understand the higher costs, he might continue ordering fuel for sale.
This situation at two small stations aligns with reports from another station in Thung Khao Luang District, where a group of small gas station operators shared information with reporters showing diesel prices averaging 38-39 baht per liter on 8 March, and gasoline around 35 baht per liter. This reflects the real difficulties faced by small-scale operators who want the government to recognize their hardship.
If no measures are taken to assist small stations, they risk going out of business soon. They hope the government will provide support similar to that given to large stations, since both sizes pay the same taxes.