A diesel shortage is affecting passenger vans. Drivers cannot find gas stations to refuel; some stations allow only 500 baht per fill, increasing costs and disrupting travel schedules. There are fears the crisis may continue through Songkran, risking service suspension.
On 18 Mar 2026 GMT+7, reporters visited the Trang Provincial Bus Terminal after diesel prices rose. They found steady passenger traffic, but operators are rushing to adapt as gas stations begin limiting diesel purchases to no more than 500 baht per fill. This may impact service quality and cause longer delays, inevitably affecting bus operators through higher costs and unscheduled routes, as well as inconveniencing passengers.
“This situation is more difficult than during the COVID-19 outbreak, and we urge the government to urgently resolve the problem.”
Charan Unnuch, 52, a Trang-Hat Yai passenger van driver, said he has driven for 25 years but never experienced anything like this. It is very hard to find diesel now. Some stations say they are out of fuel; it is unclear if diesel is being stockpiled. Along the route, vehicles queue for fuel. Some passengers worry whether the van will reach its destination, especially those with appointments in Hat Yai. Travel takes longer and consumes more fuel. For example, what used to cost 1,000 baht now requires an extra 200 baht because he has to drive around looking for fuel. When possible, he fills only 300-500 baht at a time, stopping wherever fuel is available. He tries to manage the problem as it arises but sometimes cannot find any station to refuel. He hopes stations can better organize fuel lanes to reduce waiting times.
“The diesel price increase obviously has an impact, but having no fuel to buy is worse. It would be better to have higher prices than this chaos. Everyone is scrambling to refuel. If the situation doesn't improve by next month, April, during the long holiday, the impact will be worse. Along the Trang-Hat Yai route, out of 100 gas stations, 70 have run out of fuel. This is worse than during the COVID-19 crisis.”
Meanwhile, Thammarat Wichaidit, 61, a Trang-Nakhon Si Thammarat passenger van driver, said the shortage is severe. Sometimes they cannot refuel at all; other times they wait 30-60 minutes in line and can only fill 500 baht per station, sometimes needing to visit two stations. On the route from Thung Song, Nakhon Si Thammarat to Trang, he could only refuel once in Huai Yot district; no diesel was available elsewhere. The Trang-Nakhon Si Thammarat route operates 11 trips daily with drivers alternating. They must quickly refuel wherever diesel is available, not knowing what tomorrow will bring. The government must urgently fix this problem and find fuel sources to meet domestic needs. Vehicles are essential for travel, so the government must support citizens. If this continues, service may have to stop during Songkran, causing loss of income.