Diesel shortages are impacting passenger vans, with drivers unable to find stations to refuel. Some stations allow only 500 baht per fill-up, raising costs and disrupting travel schedules. There are concerns the crisis could extend through Songkran, risking service suspension.
On 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited Trang Bus Terminal after diesel prices rose. Despite this, many passengers continued to travel. Meanwhile, operators must adapt quickly as gas stations begin limiting diesel purchases to 500 baht per fill-up. This could affect service quality and cause travel delays, inevitably impacting operators through higher costs and schedule disruptions, as well as inconveniencing passengers.
"This situation is tougher than during the COVID-19 outbreak, and we urge the government to address the problem urgently."
Charan Unnuch, 52, a passenger van driver on the Trang–Hat Yai route, said he has driven for 25 years but never faced such a situation. It is now very difficult to find diesel. Some stations say they have run out; it is unclear if diesel is being stockpiled. Along the route, many vehicles queue to refuel. Passengers sometimes worry if they will reach their destination, especially those with medical appointments in Hat Yai. Travel times have lengthened and fuel consumption increased. Previously, 1,000 baht was enough for fuel, but now an extra 200 baht is needed to circle around looking for fuel. Drivers must top off with 300 or 500 baht whenever possible. They fill up wherever a pump is available to manage the situation momentarily, but sometimes cannot find diesel at all. He suggested that stations organize queues to reduce refueling time.
"The rising diesel price definitely impacts us, but having no fuel is worse. If the price must rise, that is preferable to the current chaos, where everyone competes to refuel. If the situation does not improve by next month, April, during the long holiday period, the impact will worsen. Along the Trang–Hat Yai route, out of 100 stations, 70 have run out of diesel. This is a more severe problem than during the COVID-19 outbreak."
Meanwhile, Thammarat Wichaidit, 61, a passenger van driver on the Trang–Nakhon Si Thammarat route, said the shortage is severe. Sometimes they cannot refuel at all; other times they wait 30 to 60 minutes in line, and can fill only 500 baht at a time, sometimes needing to refuel at two stations. On the route from Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang, only one station in Huai Yot district has diesel; none is available along the rest of the route. Vans on the Trang–Nakhon Si Thammarat route run 11 trips daily, with drivers alternating. They must refuel at any station that has diesel because the situation is unpredictable. He urged the government to urgently resolve the problem and secure sufficient fuel supplies nationwide. Vehicles are essential for travel, and the government must support the public. If the situation continues, vans may need to suspend operations during Songkran, resulting in lost income for drivers.