Fuel shortages, particularly diesel, have intensified across several provinces, with long queues forming at petrol stations, supplies running out within hours and motorists left waiting without certainty of refuelling.
In northern and northeastern provinces, limited deliveries could not keep up with demand, local media said on Sunday.
In Phrae province, the situation showed signs of becoming critical, where many petrol stations had run out of diesel completely.
Motorists and truckers were seen queueing at pumps only to be told the supply had run out before their turn came. Some chose to remain parked on-site, unsure when the next delivery would arrive.
Station attendants said fresh supplies were being sent out, but could not confirm when a loaded tanker would reach the area. The problem was not limited to a single outlet, with many outlets first limiting then stopping sales of diesel.
At a PTT station in Chiang Mai, about 10,000 litres of diesel were delivered, prompting long queues of pickups, vans, trucks and tour buses.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, queues were reported in Sikhiu and Bua Yai districts, where pickup trucks and heavy vehicles lined up for diesel.
Some stations capped purchases for trucks and pickups at 1,500 baht each and allowed sales into jerrycans in an effort to manage demand.
The situation in these provinces and elsewhere underscores the growing pressure on fuel distribution in provincial areas, as demand continues to outpace available supply.
The price of standard diesel at PTT service stations in Bangkok and vicinity on Sunday was 31.14 baht per litre, and premium diesel 44.64 baht.
