The measures come as authorities seek to manage a recent surge in demand driven by public concern over tensions in the Middle East and their potential impact on global oil supplies.
Phuket Provincial Energy Officer Rattanakorn Klinchan said on Wednesday (Mar 18) that oil supplies in the province remain sufficient for normal use, despite temporary shortages reported at some petrol stations in recent weeks.
He explained that panic buying and the rapid spread of information on social media from late February to early March led to unusually high fuel consumption, briefly straining supply at certain locations.
“Overall oil supplies in Phuket remain sufficient, with continuous transportation into the province and a large number of service stations available,” he said. “We ask the public to refrain from hoarding and to follow updates from official sources.”
To ensure fair distribution, temporary limits have been introduced on diesel purchases. Small vehicles are currently allowed to refuel up to B400 per visit, while larger vehicles are limited to between B500 and B1,000 per fill. Officials noted that gasoline supplies remain unaffected and are available without restriction.
Thailand imports around 92% of its oil, with approximately 53% sourced from the Middle East. Other suppliers include the Far East, as well as the United States, Brazil and parts of Africa, highlighting the country’s diversified energy supply chain.
Mr Rattanakorn said that ongoing instability in the Middle East could affect global oil prices, particularly along key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz. However, he noted that the government has measures in place, including the Fuel Fund, to help stabilise domestic prices and prevent sharp increases.
Fuel prices in Phuket have remained largely stable as of Wednesday morning, with base diesel fixed across all providers at B30.93 per litre.
A survey of several service stations in Thalang District found consistent pricing across brands. Gasohol 95 was selling for about B32.50-B32.54 per litre, Gasohol 91 at around B32.17, and Gasohol E20 at B27.54. LPG was priced at B17.52 per litre.
Premium fuels remained significantly higher, with high-grade diesel and petrol ranging from approximately B43 to B46 per litre depending on the brand.
Officials also reported an increase in diesel consumption, partly due to large vehicles from other provinces refuelling in Phuket, contributing to occasional tight supply at some stations.
Authorities warned that hoarding fuel in containers without proper justification is illegal and poses serious safety risks, particularly fire hazards if fuel is stored improperly. Petrol station operators have been instructed to closely monitor sales and prevent any practices that take advantage of consumers.
Looking ahead, officials cautioned that if the Middle East situation persists, it could drive global oil prices higher, potentially affecting transport costs and the price of goods.
For now, the Phuket Provincial Energy Office maintains that the local energy situation remains under control, urging residents to conserve fuel, plan journeys in advance and rely on official information channels to avoid unnecessary panic.