CHIANG RAI – Residents in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai still faced long waits at fuels stations on Thursday, March 26, 2026, even after fuel prices jumped by 6 baht per liter at 5 a.m.
The sudden increase, along with earlier panic buying and worries about supply, kept stations crowded across northern Thailand. Even with higher pump prices, many drivers stayed in line. For many households, fuel is still a daily need, not something they can skip.
Long Queues Remain in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai
In the days before the increase, drivers rushed to fill their tanks because they feared more price hikes or possible shortages. In Chiang Rai, reports showed long rows of cars outside stations, and some locations ran out of fuel and had to turn people away. In Chiang Mai, early morning lines stretched onto city roads as drivers tried to refuel before work.
The rise followed a decision by the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee to reduce subsidies. The fund’s deficit had grown past 35 billion baht, while global oil prices also climbed because of tensions in the Middle East. As a result, diesel, gasohol, and gasoline all rose by 6 baht per liter overnight. It was one of the biggest one-day fuel increases in recent years.
Even after the new prices took effect, stations in both provinces stayed busy. People still needed fuel for commuting, deliveries, farm work, and other daily travel.
Residents Feel the Pressure but Still Need to Buy Fuel
Many drivers said the 6 baht increase felt steep and sudden. Still, most also said they had no real choice but to keep buying fuel.
“I use my pickup every day to move goods. If I don’t have fuel, I can’t make money for my family,” said a farmer in Chiang Rai after waiting more than an hour at a PTT station. Others shared the same view. In many parts of northern Thailand, people rely on cars and motorcycles for tourism work, small businesses, and getting children to school.
At the same time, residents asked the government to deal with the root problems quickly. They want help with the Oil Fuel Fund, better control of supply issues, and relief for low-income families and people in key service jobs.
Meanwhile, daily commuters and ride-hailing drivers in Chiang Mai said they are under the same strain. “The price jump hurts, but I can’t stop working. I just have to spend less on other things,” one motorbike taxi driver said.
Effects on Daily Life and the Local Economy
The higher fuel cost is already raising transport expenses in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai, both of which depend heavily on farming and tourism. As a result, the impact is likely to spread through the wider local economy.
- Higher travel costs: Workers now have to spend more just to get to and from work.
- More expensive goods: Transport operators may pass higher fuel costs on to food, produce, and household items.
- Tourism worries: Visitors and tour providers may face higher travel costs in a region known for mountains, markets, and local attractions.
- Pressure on small businesses: Delivery drivers, farmers, and street vendors who depend on pickups or motorcycles now face bigger running costs.
Because of this, many residents are already changing their habits. Some plan to share rides, cut back on trips, or choose routes that use less fuel.
Shock, Frustration, and Quiet Acceptance
Interviews with drivers showed a shared feeling across both provinces. Most people said the increase was harsh and came too fast, but they also saw it as something they had to live with.
“6 baht per liter is a lot, especially for motorcycle riders who fill up often. But we need our vehicles for work and daily life,” said an office worker in Chiang Mai. Many said they would keep buying fuel when needed, then try to save money on food, utilities, or other non-essential spending.
Local officials watched stations closely to stop hoarding. Earlier in the week, some stations also set purchase limits. On March 26, fuel supply appeared stable, but lines still stayed long because many drivers wanted to top up as a precaution.
Government Action and the Bigger Picture
The Thai government ended fuel price caps after the Oil Fuel Fund spent heavily to protect consumers from rising world oil prices. Now officials are shifting back toward market-based pricing, while also promising support for sectors such as transport and agriculture.
Energy officials said the fund’s deficit would get worse without subsidy cuts. Because of that, some groups are now calling for lower excise taxes or other short-term support to soften the 6 baht increase.
The prime minister and other ministers said they are watching the situation closely. They also said they would act against unfair pricing and work to keep fuel distribution fair.
Fuel Prices After the 6 Baht Increase
Examples of updated prices at major stations such as PTT on March 26, 2026, include:
- High-speed diesel (B7): About 38.94 baht per liter
- Gasohol 91: Around 40.68 baht per liter
- Gasohol 95: Around 41.05 baht per liter
- Premium fuel: Higher-grade options also rose, with some prices moving above 50 baht per liter
Pump prices may differ slightly by station brand and area. Still, the 6 baht increase applied nationwide.
Ways Drivers Can Manage Higher Fuel Costs
Although prices are up, drivers can still take a few practical steps to ease the burden:
- Fill up at quieter times: Off-peak hours may help drivers avoid long waits.
- Keep vehicles in good shape: Proper tire pressure and regular servicing can improve fuel use.
- Plan trips better: Group errands together and choose routes with less traffic.
- Look at other options: Public transport and shared rides may help where available.
- Track monthly fuel spending: Setting a clear budget can make it easier to adjust other expenses.
Local governments in northern Thailand may still roll out temporary support, such as fuel aid for certain groups, but no final details have been confirmed.
What Could Happen Next With Fuel Prices in Thailand?
Analysts say fuel prices may keep changing because global oil markets remain unstable. That leaves the government with a hard task, balancing public costs with pressure on state finances.
People in Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai are hoping for quick action to steady prices and avoid more sudden increases. Until then, many drivers are adjusting as best they can. Most are limiting travel to what matters most and asking for fair support.
This sudden 6 baht per liter fuel increase has put heavy pressure on communities across northern Thailand. The long lines may fade once the first wave of panic buying passes. Even so, the higher prices are likely to shape daily spending, travel, and business costs for months ahead.
