MALAYSIANS intending to head to Thailand for the Hari Raya Aidilfitri break are urged to reconsider their plans, amid concerns over fuel shortages that could disrupt travel.
Reports indicate that petrol stations in tourist hotspots such as Satun and Hat Yai are either running low on fuel or enforcing strict rationing.
The situation is believed to be linked to rising geopolitical tensions in West Asia involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
With a surge of cross-border traffic expected during the festive season, there are growing concerns that Thai authorities could introduce tighter controls, including limiting fuel access for foreign-registered vehicles.
A tourism operator based in Satun, Abdul Halim Othman, noted that many stations have already capped fuel purchases at 500 baht (around RM60) per refill for cars and vans.
Despite the situation, Thailand’s National News Bureau of Thailand reported that the country still holds about 101 days’ worth of fuel reserves.
Authorities have called for calm, stressing that overall supply remains sufficient.
However, signs of strain are emerging even in Bangkok, where long queues have formed at petrol stations, some of which are limiting purchases to 600 baht per transaction.
According to Sarawut Kaewtathip from the Energy Ministry, the government has instructed all six domestic refineries to operate at maximum capacity, while also securing additional fuel imports from countries including Angola and the United States. —Mar 18, 2026
Main image: Bangkok Post
