A fuel crisis in Prachinburi has caused gas stations to display signs stating all fuel types are sold out. Some stations still have reserve fuel for ambulances and rescue vehicles, allowing each to fill up with 1,000 baht worth of fuel. Meanwhile, residents are pushing motorcycles around town searching for fuel to fill their vehicles.
On 17 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters observed that most gas stations within Prachinburi municipality were closed, displaying large signs reading “Out of Fuel.” This left customers unable to refuel within the area, forcing them to drive around various locations in search of fuel.
A gas station employee explained that the shortage results from delivery trucks being unable to collect fuel from suppliers on schedule or in the needed amounts. Currently, suppliers deliver only half the usual volume; for example, a station that previously received 20,000 liters now gets only 10,000 liters. This shortfall means all stations cannot meet customer demand. However, stations reserve fuel for ambulances, rescue, and fire vehicles but limit each fill-up to 1,000 baht.
A survey of gas stations in Prachinburi municipality found residents’ motorcycles running out of fuel, unable to find refills. When asked, one rider said his fuel ran out after leaving home and he had to push his motorcycle to two stations, both without fuel available. The lack of fuel stockpiling was attributed to the belief that motorcycle fuel supplies would not be scarce.