BANGKOK – Fuel prices across Thailand climbed sharply on Thursday morning, March 26, 2026, after the Oil Fuel Fund Executive Committee scaled back state support. Drivers saw an immediate rise of six baht per liter for most fuel types, adding more pressure as global oil prices remain unstable.
The increase comes as officials try to reduce strain on the Oil Fuel Fund, which has been carrying a heavy subsidy burden while world energy costs rise because of tensions in the Middle East.
Why Fuel Prices Increased by Six Baht Overnight
On March 25, the Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee approved lower subsidy rates for both diesel and petrol. The change began at 5 a.m. on March 26, and retail prices moved up by six baht per liter across the board.
At the same time, diesel prices in the Singapore market surged. They rose from US$198.20 per barrel on March 23 to US$242.91. Because conflict in the Middle East disrupted supply routes, costs climbed and put more pressure on Thailand, which depends heavily on imported fuel.
The fund had been paying around 2.59 billion baht a day in support, or about 80 billion baht each month. Officials said that keeping subsidies at that level would weaken the fund’s cash position and limit its ability to help consumers over time.
Government leaders, including the deputy prime minister and related ministers, also warned that keeping prices too low could encourage smuggling and fuel hoarding. As a result, the adjustment is meant to bring Thailand closer to nearby markets such as Malaysia, where diesel prices have also moved higher.
The committee also asked the public to use energy more carefully. In its message, it urged people to adjust their energy use and help reduce pressure on both the country and the Oil Fuel Fund.
Updated Fuel Prices at Thai Petrol Stations
These are the new retail fuel prices from March 26, 2026, in baht per liter. Some local taxes in parts of Bangkok are not included.
- High-speed diesel (B7): 38.94
- B7 premium diesel: 54.64
- Gasohol 91: 40.68
- Gasohol 95: 41.05
- Gasohol E20: 36.05
- Gasohol E85: 32.79
- Gasohol 95 premium: 52.04
- Gasoline 95: 49.64
Major sellers such as PTT and Bangchak reported these prices. Premium fuels also saw similar increases, and in some cases, slightly bigger ones. For drivers, the impact is immediate.
A 50-liter fill-up now costs 300 baht more than it did before the increase. That means delivery riders, truck drivers, and farmers will likely feel the pressure first as daily operating costs go up.
Diesel Shortages Add to Problems in Northern Thailand
Even before the new prices took effect, parts of Northern Thailand were already dealing with diesel shortages. Many stations ran out of fuel, leaving drivers to search from one pump to another or wait in long lines.
In Chiang Rai, queues stretched outside petrol stations as drivers rushed to buy what was left. Cars and motorcycles lined up for hours at stations that were still open. Some locations ran out of diesel completely after getting only part of their usual supply. One station said it received just 8,000 liters, about one-third of its normal volume.
Workers at some stations had to turn customers away. In other places, sales were limited, with caps such as 100 liters or 1,000 baht per customer. Similar problems were reported in nearby provinces, where some stations closed for a time while waiting for fresh deliveries.
Delivery riders in Chiang Rai said the shortage cost them both time and income. One Grab rider said he spent hours trying to find fuel instead of working. Meanwhile, farmers worried about whether they would have enough diesel for tractors and irrigation pumps.
Officials said the shortages were mainly caused by transport delays and panic buying ahead of the expected price hike. They stressed that Thailand still had enough national fuel reserves for about 100 days and asked the public not to stockpile. Refineries were said to be running at full capacity, and extra imports had already been arranged.
Still, concern kept growing, especially in northern border areas. Long lines remained common in Chiang Rai even after the higher pump prices began.
Wider Impact on Households and the Economy
Higher fuel prices are likely to spread through the wider economy. As transport costs rise, the price of food, goods, and other daily items could also increase.
Farmers who rely on diesel-powered machines now face higher production costs. At the same time, logistics firms and ride-hailing services may either raise prices for customers or absorb the hit through lower profits.
The government says the move was needed to stop the Oil Fuel Fund from falling deeper into trouble. Without a price adjustment, the fund’s deficit would continue to grow while global energy markets remain uncertain.
Economists point out that long-running subsidies during earlier crises, including in 2022, cost the state hundreds of billions of baht. This time, officials hope passing on part of the cost will steady the fund and also push people to use less energy.
What Drivers Can Do Now
- Check station apps or websites for current prices and fuel availability.
- Fill up early, or go during less busy hours to avoid long waits.
- Drive more efficiently, or carpool when possible.
- Watch for official updates on new subsidy plans or support measures.
The Oil Fuel Fund committee repeated its call for careful energy use, saying it would help reduce pressure on both households and the country.
This latest fuel price jump comes as Thailand faces unstable global oil markets. Any further changes will likely depend on world crude prices and the financial condition of the fund.
