Thailand Considers Overnight Fuel Station Closures as Middle East Conflict Strains Supplies
Thailand is weighing temporary overnight closures of petrol stations as part of emergency measures to conserve fuel amid supply disruptions caused by the conflict in the Middle East, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Tuesday. The proposal would shut down fuel sales from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., potentially starting April 20, though the prime minister assured citizens the measure would not interfere with holiday travel for Songkran, Thailand’s traditional New Year festival.
Speaking to reporters in Bangkok, Anutin said the government is also asking the public to reduce energy use through work-from-home arrangements, carpooling, and greater reliance on public transportation. The appeal comes as diesel prices have surged past 50 baht (about $1.50) per litre, up from roughly 30 baht in late February, according to multiple reports.
Official Statements and Public Appeals
In a social media statement, the prime minister acknowledged Thailand’s vulnerability despite holding relatively high oil reserves. “Although Thailand has high oil reserves compared to other countries, we remain vulnerable as a country that imports a large volume of oil,” he said. “We cannot remain complacent and manage our oil resources as we have done in the past.”
Anutin also called for cooperation from citizens and businesses, suggesting measures such as working from anywhere and using electricity responsibly. The government has already curtailed most overseas travel for officials and instructed staff to wear short-sleeved shirts without ties, except at ceremonies, to cut air-conditioning use.
Investigation into Fuel Shortages
Justice Minister Rutthaphon Naowarat revealed that authorities are investigating the disappearance of significant fuel volumes, with estimates ranging from 57 to 58 million litres — nearly two days of national consumption. “Oil has definitely gone missing,” he told reporters, though he cautioned it was too early to determine the exact figure.
The southern province of Surat Thani has become the focus of a police probe into alleged oil hoarding. Reports of smuggling, stockpiling, and underground storage have emerged since the crisis began, raising questions about how shortages developed despite Thailand’s stated three-month supply buffer.
Broader Regional Impact
The supply strain stems from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for fuel shipments to Asia, following the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Thailand relies heavily on imported oil and gas, making it particularly exposed to disruptions in global energy markets.
Across Asia, governments are rolling out energy-saving initiatives. Sri Lanka and the Philippines have introduced four-day workweeks for many public employees, while Vietnam has encouraged remote work. Thailand has also tightened crude palm oil exports and will control bottled palm oil prices starting Tuesday to protect domestic supplies amid rising biodiesel demand.
Agricultural and Economic Effects
The soaring fuel costs are hitting farmers and the transport sector hard, just as the country prepares for Songkran celebrations. The holiday period, officially observed from April 6 to 8, typically sees millions of Thais travel to their hometowns. The prime minister stressed that the planned station closures would not disrupt these journeys, as the measure would only take effect after the holiday rush.
The government has promised to do everything in its power to shield the public from the crisis and may announce additional measures in the coming days, according to the prime minister’s statements.