Bangkok: The Bank of Thailand has appealed to the public to refrain from hoarding fuel, confirming that the country has an adequate supply to meet demand. Despite assurances, there is a noticeable rush among citizens to fill their gas tanks, driven by concerns over potential price hikes.

According to Thai News Agency, the Department of Energy Business (DOEB) has urged the public to remain calm amidst the unrest in the Middle East, which has sparked fears of fuel shortages. Mr. Sarawut Kaewtathip, Director-General of DOEB, cautioned against large-scale stockpiling, highlighting the legal and safety risks associated with improper fuel storage.

Mr. Sarawut emphasized that fuel should be added directly to vehicles, advising against the use of containers at service stations unless necessary for professional purposes, such as farming. He urged fuel retailers to manage and expedite the distribution process efficiently, ensuring that public demand is consistently met without disruption. The DOEB reassures that the domestic fuel reserves are sufficient to handle current consumption levels.

He further advised the public to have confidence in Thailand's energy management system, urging citizens to use fuel judiciously and avoid hoarding. Such cooperation would aid in reducing import burdens and help stabilize energy prices.

Despite these reassurances, reports indicate that people nationwide continue to queue at gas stations, driven by fears of impending price increases and shortages. The government has confirmed that diesel prices will be controlled and not rise for 15 days starting March 4, 2026, utilizing funds from the Fuel Fund. Meanwhile, major fuel companies like Shell and Caltex have announced their decision to maintain current prices, following recent adjustments where Shell reduced diesel prices by 4.20 baht and gasoline by 1.50 baht.