Residents of Satun are rushing to fill up fuel, with operators expecting stations to run dry by this evening before reopening on 6 Mar 2026. They admit they cannot prohibit filling fuel into containers since some buyers use it for fishing boats. Meanwhile, the deputy governor inspected the area and set measures to prevent illegal fuel smuggling.
On 4 Mar 2026, the impact of the Middle East war crisis caused nationwide concern about fuel shortages. Many provinces saw panic buying as people stocked fuel for cars, motorcycles, agriculture, and general business use. Coupled with announced fuel price hikes by companies, this led to major unrest across several provinces.
Ms. Dusadee Pruksaseth, Deputy Governor of Satun, together with Mr. Jirapong Jaikachat, Satun Energy Officer, Ms. Saichor Angsuphanit, Satun Commerce Officer, the Internal Security Operations Command, and related agencies inspected fuel stations in Satun after continuous crowds caused some stations to run completely out of fuel and close temporarily.
At a fuel station in Satun municipality, officials spoke with Mr. Burin Bureesombat, a local fuel operator, who said fuel is ordered in batches usually lasting about a week. This week, supplies are expected to run out sooner. Mr. Burin noted that in the past two days, customer demand has doubled compared to normal. Normally, fuel stocks last seven days but this time only two, due to heavy public demand.
Regarding the request to refrain from filling fuel into containers, Mr. Burin said they cannot prevent it because some buyers use the fuel for fishing boats. Since they cannot supply fuel directly to boats, filling containers is necessary. He expects his station's fuel to run out by this evening with no reserves left, and plans to reopen on 6 Mar 2026. The heavy buying is driven by fears of price hikes and shortages caused by the ongoing war situation.
At a fuel station in Khlong Khut subdistrict, officials spoke with operators who confirmed fuel is still sold at normal prices, but customer queues are extremely long. Two fuel trucks delivering to the station have already emptied their tanks today. For example, Gasohol 95, which normally dispenses 5,000 liters daily, has already dispensed 8,000 liters today and is expected to run out by evening.
Diesel fuel supplies are also running low. Currently, fuel distribution has doubled to meet demand, but some fuel types may run out by evening.
Meanwhile, some fuel stations in Lang Su, Khuan Don, and Mueang districts have run completely out of fuel and temporarily closed, awaiting new deliveries.
Ms. Dusadee Pruksaseth, Deputy Governor of Satun, said the province has emphasized that fuel stations fully serve the public while considering their hardship. Station owners have even extended operating hours and stocked reserves to meet demand, aiming to reduce shortages, prevent hoarding, avoid price hikes, and keep prices stable per government policy.
She explained that the surge in fuel buying is due to fear of shortages and running out, fueled by social media rumors causing uncertainty about how long the crisis will last, prompting mass buying.
Regarding illegal fuel, as a border province, Satun's security agencies are actively monitoring to curb smuggling. Authorities including the Marine Department, Customs, Excise, and Marine Police have intensified joint operations to inspect and prevent illegal fuel from flooding in through border areas during this period.