CHIANG RAI – On March 13, 2026, Chiang Rai Governor Choochip Pongchai chaired a meeting to get the province ready for possible fallout from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Deputy governors and key agencies joined the session to review risks tied to the economy and energy supply.
A main focus was stricter energy-saving steps across government offices. As part of this push, Chiang Rai has already moved to a full Work From Home (WFH) policy starting March 11, 2026. The province wants to cut fuel and electricity use in the public sector, and set an example that private businesses can follow, especially while global fuel prices remain unstable.
During the meeting, agencies aligned on support plans in three key areas to reduce pressure on residents.
First, on energy, the Chiang Rai Provincial Energy Office is preparing a management plan for oil and backup fuel. The goal is to keep transportation and essential utilities running without interruptions if supplies tighten.
Next, on labor, the Chiang Rai Provincial Labor Office will track impacts on workers and employers. Attention will be on industries tied to exports, or businesses facing higher production costs because of rising energy prices.
Finally, on the cost of living, the Chiang Rai Provincial Commerce Office plans to step up price controls on everyday goods. This is meant to prevent unfair price hikes and protect consumers while the global situation stays tense.
Chiang Rai Fuel Prices
Fuel prices in Chiang Rai, in northern Thailand, have jumped as global markets react to the growing conflict involving Iran. Fighting between the US and Israel on one side and Iran on the other has interrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
Because this route carries about 20 to 30% of the world’s oil, crude prices climbed above $100 a barrel in early March 2026. Thailand feels the hit fast since it imports about half its crude, and much of its LNG also travels through the strait.
At the pump, the strain shows. Diesel sits near 29.94 baht per liter, while gasohol runs from about 25.79 baht (E85) up to 31.05 baht (95), with some premium options costing more.
Still, worries about longer shortages set off panic buying. From early March, drivers in Chiang Rai rushed to top off tanks and store fuel in bottles and containers. As a result, lines grew, some stations closed early, and a few pumps ran dry between March 3 and 5.
Resellers also moved in, pushing bottled fuel from 100 to 200 baht per 1.5 liters to about 250 baht for smaller amounts. Officials asked people to stay calm, checked stations for price tricks, and pointed to national reserves of roughly 60 to 90 days. The government also briefly capped diesel prices and promoted E20, but ongoing Middle East unrest still threatens fuel supply and affordability.
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