CHIANG RAI – Fuel stations across Chiang Rai were packed on Tuesday as worried drivers rushed to fill their tanks over shortage fears. Long lines of cars, motorcycles, and pickup trucks formed outside stations around the province.
At some locations, staff limited sales to 500 baht per vehicle, which left many customers upset and led to tense scenes at the pumps. Still, provincial officials say there is no real fuel shortage, and reserves in Chiang Rai are still more than enough to meet demand.
The rush came even though the Chiang Rai governor and the Provincial Energy Office have repeatedly said fuel supplies remain steady. Even so, many residents are not convinced. They point to social media rumors, the end of the national diesel price cap, and concerns that conflict in the Middle East could affect imports.
Chiang Rai Drivers Face Long Waits
People at several busy stations in Muang district and nearby areas described the situation as messy and stressful. At a Caltex station in Chiang Rai city, dozens of vehicles sat in line under the heat while workers rationed diesel.
A staff member, Kanokwan Kantip, said the station received just 8,000 liters of diesel that morning, only about one-third of its usual shipment. The station had also run out of 95-grade petrol.
“It’s not enough for customers,” she said as more vehicles pulled in. “We’re trying to treat everyone fairly, but people get upset when we have to set limits.”
Nearby, a 48-year-old Grab food delivery rider named Oracha said she had already spent nearly two hours waiting. “I’m worried because my vehicle needs fuel,” she said. “If I have to turn off the app and drive around to find gas, I lose that hour’s income. I usually earn 30 to 50 baht an hour. Without fuel, it feels like I don’t have work.”
Others shared the same worries. Farmers from outer districts said they needed diesel for tractors but could not spend a whole day in line. Tourists heading for the Golden Triangle also said they changed or canceled their plans after seeing signs that warned of limited fuel stock.
Some Stations Set 500-Baht Purchase Limits
Several stations, including some PTT outlets, have started capping purchases. At many sites, drivers of four-wheel vehicles can buy only 500 baht worth of petrol or diesel per visit. Larger trucks can buy more, but they still face limits.
PTT said the 500-baht cap is a guideline, not a permanent rule. The goal is to spread fuel more fairly while demand stays unusually high. Station owners say they had little choice after panic buying caused pumps to run low faster than supply trucks could refill them.
In Mae Lao district, PTT station operator Suchin Chonjaroen said his location normally sells about 10,000 liters a day, enough for both local drivers and tourists. “The jump in demand caused short-term shortages at branches like Chom Mok Kaeo,” he said. “But we’re getting new deliveries from Lampang depots every day.”
Officials Repeat That Chiang Rai Has Enough Fuel
Even with the crowds and confusion, provincial leaders are asking people not to panic. Chiang Rai Provincial Energy Chief Parasak Ngamsomphak said the fuel situation remains under control.
“Overall, Chiang Rai province has sufficient oil supply for the public’s needs,” he said.
He also urged residents to stay calm and rely on official updates. “Please live life as usual and primarily follow news from government agencies,” Parasak said. He stressed that fuel trucks continue to arrive on schedule and warned that hoarding could create more pressure and keep prices unstable.
The governor’s office has backed up that message. Officials say current reserves can cover normal daily use and that there is no threat of a long-term shortage. The Provincial Energy Office has checked stations and worked with suppliers to speed up deliveries. Extra trucks from Lampang have also been sent in to keep underground storage tanks filled.
At the national level, Energy Minister Sarawut Kaewtathip apologized for the lines and shipment delays. Still, he said Thailand has enough fuel for at least 101 days. Six refineries are running at full capacity, and new cargoes from Angola and the United States are already on the way. Checks in 23 provinces found no sign of hoarding, only short-term delivery slowdowns.
Why Panic Spread Despite Official Reassurance
Several factors appear to have fueled the rush:
- The national diesel price cap of 33 baht per liter expired yesterday, so many people feared a sharp price increase.
- Fighting in the Middle East has disrupted shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a route tied to more than half of Thailand’s fuel imports.
- Viral posts on social media showed empty pumps in Bangkok and other provinces, and that quickly raised anxiety in Chiang Rai.
- In border districts such as Mae Sai, added demand from cross-border buyers led some stations to temporarily restrict sales to protect local supply.
Provincial Energy Office teams have visited affected areas, including Mae Lao, to repeat the same message: there is no actual shortage, only a temporary spike in demand caused by panic buying.
Daily Life and Local Business Feel the Strain
The fuel rush is doing more than slowing down private drivers. Delivery riders are losing work hours, small businesses are seeing late shipments, and some temples have had trouble getting fuel for cremation services. At the same time, farm workers worry that tractors may run dry during planting season.
Here are some of the effects reported on Tuesday:
- Transportation delays: Grab and food delivery services in Chiang Rai city say wait times are up by 20% to 30%.
- Tourism slowdown: Visitors to places such as Doi Mae Salong and the Golden Triangle are cutting trips short.
- Higher costs for local shops: Businesses near fuel stations say customers are spending less because they are stuck in line.
- Pressure on emergency crews: Rescue volunteers in nearby provinces have asked stations to ease the 500-baht limit for ambulances and fire trucks.
Government Moves to Calm Fears
The Interior Ministry has told all 76 provincial governors, including Chiang Rai’s, to track fuel supplies each day, stop hoarding, and send regular reports. The steps include:
- Faster delivery schedules from refineries to the provinces
- Clear public updates through village loudspeakers and social media
- Inspections to stop illegal price hikes or refusals to sell
- Requests for drivers to save fuel and share rides when possible
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has also tried to calm the public. He said Thailand is not facing a fuel crisis. Major oil companies have also confirmed that supplies remain stable, and the government says support measures are ready if the situation worsens.
What Drivers Are Being Told to Do
Officials and station operators are giving drivers a few simple tips to reduce pressure on the system:
- Fill up during quieter hours, such as early morning or late evening
- Buy only what you need instead of topping off the tank every time
- Follow official news and ignore unconfirmed social media posts
- Use buses, motorcycles, or other transport options when possible
- Check station apps or hotlines for live stock updates
Energy officials expect the lines to ease within a few days as new shipments arrive and panic buying slows down. Prices may still edge up because of global market pressure, but they say reserves are strong enough to prevent a real shortage.
Calm May Return Soon as Deliveries Continue
The scenes across Chiang Rai looked serious on Tuesday, but officials still say the province has enough fuel. With reserve stocks in place, new truck deliveries arriving, and more public updates going out, they believe normal service should return soon.
For now, drivers are being asked to stay patient. As Parasak Ngamsomphak told residents, they should live as usual. The fuel is there, but public confidence needs time to catch up.
