Bangkok: People are flocking to fill up their tanks from morning till night as Caltex has lowered its prices. Fuel prices were highly volatile today as people rushed to fill up at PTT stations, which stopped filling gallons. Caltex was pressured and lowered prices within 7 hours of announcing a price increase.

According to Thai News Agency, reporters said that Caltex and Shell gas stations announced price increases today, but Caltex ultimately announced a price adjustment at its pumps, returning to its original price, effective at 6:00 PM, after announcing the price increase at 11:00 AM today. They stated their sincere apologies for any inconvenience.

While other gas stations, such as Bangchak and PTT, continue to freeze prices to alleviate public hardship, PTT has announced it will stop selling fuel in large gallons or drums (e.g., 200 liters) to prevent hoarding during periods of tight fuel supply, reduce stockpiling problems, and maintain fuel stability.

Nationwide concerns over the conflict in the Middle East have led to a surge in fuel purchases throughout the day, despite government assurances and state-owned gas stations like PTT and Bangchak stating sufficient fuel supplies and no price increases. Motorists, including trucks and agricultural machinery owners, are seeking large fuel stockpiles to reduce future costs.