Rising Prices and Pump Shortages in Thailand Raise Alarms Over Domestic Travel Slump Ahead of Songkran Festival

*The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Thailand is grappling with a surge in fuel prices and localized shortages triggered by escalating global oil costs amid Middle East tensions. According to associated media reports…*

Rising fuel costs and pump shortages have triggered widespread concern in Phuket and across Thailand as of March 23, 2026, with travel plans for the upcoming Songkran festival now in jeopardy. Panic buying has led to long queues, empty stations, and purchase limits, despite government assurances that national reserves are sufficient.

Fuel Price Hikes and Distribution Disruptions

On March 21, diesel prices increased by 70 satang per liter to approximately 31.14 baht, while gasoline and gasohol saw a 1 baht per liter jump. Diesel remains capped at 33 baht per liter through Oil Fund subsidies, but phased increases of 50 satang to 1 baht are scheduled to prevent market shocks. Distribution bottlenecks have intensified as large-scale users shift to retail stations, depleting supplies in several regions. In Pattaya, multiple PTT stations ran dry, forcing speedboat operators to Koh Larn to ration fuel and leaving Chinese tour groups concerned about airport transfers.

Public Sentiment and Impact on Domestic Tourism

A Nida Poll conducted March 17–18 among 1,310 respondents found 31.76% “quite alarmed” by the fuel situation, and 44.28% doubted the government’s ability to maintain the claimed 98-day reserves or secure new supplies. Songkran travel is already affected: 14.80% of those surveyed cancelled their plans entirely, while only 12.06% intend to proceed as usual. Tourism operators report that Thais are avoiding trips to secondary destinations due to concerns about refueling, with stations on routes from Ang Thong to Sukhothai and Chumphon to Nakhon Si Thammarat imposing strict limits or closing by 9 a.m. The Thai Hotels Association warns that the fear of unavailable fuel is now a bigger deterrent than high prices.

Authorities have yet to announce new measures to restore public confidence or address regional shortages, leaving the outlook for Songkran travel and the broader tourism sector uncertain.

Source: https://thephuketexpress.com/2026/03/23/rising-prices-and-pump-shortages-in-thailand-raise-alarms-over-domestic-travel-slump-ahead-of-songkran-festival/