CHIANG RAI – Motorists in Mae Sai have been lining up at gas stations, worried about a war-related fuel shock. Several stations have run out of Gasohol 95. The Chiang Rai Provincial Energy Office says stations must not refuse to sell fuel or stockpile for profit. Officials also stress there’s no sign of a nationwide fuel shortage.
On March 2, 2026, reporters in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai, saw heavy traffic at gas stations from early morning into the evening. Along Phahonyothin Road in particular, cars and motorcycles kept arriving nonstop.
At many stations, lines stretched longer than usual. Some people topped off their tanks to keep extra fuel on hand. Others bought only what they could afford, especially after month-end expenses.
Because demand spiked in a short period, several stations in Mae Sai ran out of Gasohol 95 by yesterday afternoon. Other fuel types were still available, but supplies looked noticeably lower than normal.
Fear of Rising Fuel Prices
Station staff said the surge came quickly and caught them off guard. The anxiety has grown alongside rising tension in the Middle East and concerns about global energy shipping routes, especially the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transport corridor. As a result, some residents fear fuel prices could jump soon.
This rush also followed comments from Energy Minister Attapol Rukphiboon. He said Thailand currently holds combined crude oil and refined fuel reserves, including commercial stocks and legally required reserves, enough for about 60 days of domestic use.
Even so, he urged the public not to panic or hoard fuel. He said imports, refining, transport, and distribution through fuel depots nationwide continue as usual, and the government is watching global energy markets closely. Still, some people misunderstood the message and assumed Thailand only had 60 days of fuel left, so they hurried to stock up.
So far, Chiang Rai has not reported an official fuel shortage. However, the sudden buying shows how worried people are in this border area, where travel and trade stay busy. If the overseas conflict drags on, locals fear it could affect the area’s economy later.
Most gas stations remain open and are operating normally. Officials also say they have not found clear signs of abnormal stockpiling at this time.
Chiang Rai Energy Office Notice
The Chiang Rai Provincial Energy Office has issued a notice to monitor stations closely. It reminded operators that they must not refuse sales without a valid reason, and they must not hold back fuel to seek extra profit. Residents who see possible violations can report them 24 hours a day.
The office noted that Thailand is a net energy importer, so global events can still push prices higher. Even so, it said the Energy Ministry has prepared management steps and can respond quickly. Officials repeated that there’s no signal of a domestic fuel shortage, and they will work to reduce impacts on the public.
Authorities also asked people to use energy wisely, stay calm, and avoid buying more fuel than they need. That helps keep daily life running smoothly and prevents unnecessary pressure on supply.
Residents are encouraged to watch for stations that refuse to sell fuel without good cause, or show signs of hoarding, especially before or on days when fuel prices adjust. Reports can be made to the Chiang Rai Provincial Energy Office at 081-6926662, any time, day or night.
Officials said they will investigate quickly and enforce the law strictly. They also promised to share updates without delay. The office repeated its message: “Chiang Rai doesn’t hoard, and fuel won’t run out,” and asked all sectors to help maintain a stable energy supply in the area.
