CHIANG RAI – Long lines at gas stations across Chiang Rai, especially in border areas like Mae Sai, have escalated after reports of rising tensions in the Middle East, which would cause fuel prices to rise, spread like wildfire on social media, and through word of mouth, causing many people to rush to fill up and store extra fuel in a short time.

What started as worry about events overseas quickly turned into local stress at the community level. Fuel is not just another product. It affects commuting, delivery costs, farming work, and border trade, where vehicles move all day.

As international reports described fighting and attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, several countries in the region moved to close airspace and raise alerts. In Chiang Rai, concerns went beyond possible price increases, with fears of fuel shortages.

In border districts, the worry grew faster. Mae Sai supports heavy travel, cross-border trade, and constant local transport. If refueling slows down for even a few hours, ripple effects can reach freight trucks, hired vehicles, shops, and households that depend on daily travel.

Chiang Rai Governor ImplementsUrgent Measures

During inspections on March 3, 2026, officials found that some gas stations in Mae Sai and Mae Chan had limited remaining supply, and a few temporarily ran out. Operators said they would restore stock through the system by the next morning.

The border setting also made the situation more sensitive than in other areas. Reports circulated that in Tachileik, fuel was being sold in 700-milliliter bottles for 250 baht per bottle. That information, even if limited to certain spots, pushed the public perception that fuel could tighten and prices could jump.

To calm the situation and prevent hoarding, the Chiang Rai governor instructed all fuel stations to follow six urgent measures. The key goal is to prioritize Thai residents and the agriculture sector.

Stations must avoid selling fuel into containers without a clear need, control unusually large purchases and repeat refueling, and encourage drivers to refuel in nearby districts when Mae Sai becomes crowded.

In practical terms, these steps aim to direct available fuel to essential use first, including daily travel, goods transport, farm operations, and public services. They also reduce safety risks from storing fuel in unsuitable containers, which can lead to dangerous accidents.

At the same time, provincial energy and commerce offices, along with local administrative teams, continued on-site monitoring. Their job is to make sure sales follow the rules and to stop anyone from taking advantage of public worry.

Diesel Price Controls

As concerns spread, the Ministry of Energy communicated that domestic reserves remained sufficient to support continued use. The ministry also coordinated with oil traders to prepare procurement from sources outside the Middle East, reducing risk tied to shipping routes and reliance on conflict areas.

On pricing, reports said the government planned to maintain short-term diesel price controls to ease household costs. Officials also signaled they may use the Oil Fuel Fund to offset impacts if global prices rise.

The central message matters for one reason. Clear information helps break the panic cycle. If people keep rushing to fill up at the same time, they can create an artificial shortage driven by consumer behavior, even when overall supply remains available.

Chiang Rai officials also reminded the public that hoarding, refusing to sell without a valid reason, or any act that disrupts the market can lead to action under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999). The law allows criminal penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

Authorities also promoted reporting channels so issues can be checked quickly and rumors do not spread unchecked. These include the Department of Internal Trade hotline at 1569 and local provincial contact points.