MAE SOT – Drivers in northern Thailand’s Mae Sot and nearby areas rushed to gas stations before dawn on March 15, 2026, ahead of fuel price hikes. Many arrived around 5 AM and waited in lines that stretched more than 2 kilometers.
At several spots, the queue spilled across two traffic lanes, causing major congestion on key roads near the border with Myanmar.
By 6 AM, stations began letting the first vehicles pull in. Fuel supplies were tight from the start, so many stations set purchase limits. Some allowed only 500 baht per vehicle, while others capped sales at 1,000 baht. At the same time, stations refused to fill jerrycans and other containers because the remaining stock could not meet demand.
Even with the limits, fuel ran out fast. In less than three hours, stations across Mae Sot posted signs saying they were out of gas. Operators could not confirm whether a new shipment would arrive later that afternoon, which left many drivers stuck after waiting for hours.
As a result, frustration grew at station entrances. Some people had only a small amount of fuel left and did not want to risk driving away and running out on the road. Others simply went home empty-handed after spending most of the morning in line.
Local officials stepped in to manage the situation. Mae Sot District Chief Kanpong Pipatmontrikul led members of the Volunteer Defense Corps, along with Mae Sot traffic police and Mae Sot City Municipality staff, to control traffic and keep lines orderly. Their focus was to reduce gridlock near busy intersections and keep vehicles moving safely.
Meanwhile, officers also tightened checks after reports of cross-border stockpiling. Earlier, many stations posted notices saying they would not sell fuel to vehicles from Myanmar.
However, officials said they later found some Myanmar nationals renting Thai-registered vehicles, then repeatedly fueling up and transferring the fuel to Myanmar vehicles. Because of that, district authorities increased screening to stop repeat runs and limit hoarding.
One Mae Sot resident said the shortage hit daily life hard. Living in a hillside area, the driver came down before sunrise and waited in a long line just to buy 500 baht worth of fuel. Since then, the resident said they have had to use the car only when necessary, because getting fuel has become unpredictable.
By the latest update, every gas station in the Mae Sot border area had posted out-of-fuel signs. People across the district were left watching for news on whether tanker trucks would arrive by evening.
Fuel Prices Northern Thailand
Fuel prices in Thailand follow a national pricing system. Major oil brands such as PTT, Bangchak, Shell, PT, and Caltex set retail rates, while the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) oversees the structure.
Because of that, standard fuel prices at big-name stations stay almost the same nationwide. Still, you may see small differences from local taxes or smaller independent stations.
In Northern Thailand, including Chiang Rai, prices usually match those in Bangkok and nearby areas. However, a few remote locations can run a bit higher. That can happen when transport costs rise or supplies tighten, which people sometimes report in far-north provinces like Mae Hong Son.
As of March 16, 2026 (based on updates from around March 9 to 15, and many stations holding steady today), these are common Thailand fuel prices at the pump (baht per liter):
- Diesel (standard B7 / Hi-Diesel S): 29.94 baht per liter (generally the same at PTT, Bangchak, Shell, and other major stations).
- Gasohol 95 (popular gasoline blend): 31.05 baht per liter at most stations, although Shell can be higher at about 32.35 baht.
- Gasohol 91: 30.68 baht per liter.
- Gasohol E20: 27.84 baht per liter, with Shell often higher at about 28.94 baht.
- Gasohol E85: 25.79 baht per liter.
- Premium fuels (premium Gasohol 95, Benzene 95, premium diesel): These vary more by brand and tier. For example, PTT often sits around 39 to 43 baht, while Bangchak and Shell commonly land around 45 to 49+ baht for top grades.
These figures reflect retail pump prices in Thailand, shown in baht per liter. In some areas, an extra local maintenance fee may apply. Bangkok and nearby areas sometimes add a small amount, while many northern areas see little to none.
Some reports mentioned a 0.50 baht increase for petrol and gasohol around March 15. However, several updates (including Bangchak postings today) show many stations keeping prices unchanged this morning. Diesel, in the meantime, hasn’t moved.
For the most accurate fuel price in Chiang Rai today, check a nearby PTT or Bangchak station, their app or website, or the price posted on the pump, since small changes can happen.
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