Panic Buying of Fuel in Thailand as Price Freeze Set to Expire

Long queues of vehicles were observed at several fuel stations on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, on Monday (16 March 2026), with drivers flocking to purchase diesel ahead of the end of the government’s fuel price freeze policy.

Traffic congestion even occurred due to the snaking queues at petrol stations. The diesel price freeze policy has been in effect for 15 days since the beginning of March and is scheduled to expire on Monday, triggering a surge in demand as many drivers sought to fill up before potential price increases.

The surge in demand has left several petrol stations facing diesel shortages. Some drivers have had to queue for considerable periods to obtain fuel. “We are short on fuel because so many people are coming to fill up. They are coming from everywhere,” said Poonyaporn Kerdphokha, a 31-year-old petrol station worker who has worked at the station for over 10 years.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn stated that the government will decide on its next steps regarding diesel price adjustments after the price freeze policy expires.