Some gas stations in Hua Hin introduce 500 baht fuel limit
Hua Hin fuel limit introduced at some gas stations
Some gas stations in Hua Hin have introduced a 500 baht fuel limit as operators respond to increased demand linked to tightening global energy supplies amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
On Sunday morning (15 March), customers at the Caltex service station in Hua Na were informed that refuelling purchases were temporarily capped at 500 baht per vehicle. Notices displayed at the forecourt also stated that filling reserve tanks or fuel containers would not be permitted while the measure remained in place.
The limit was introduced as fuel deliveries to the station were still in transit, with staff asking motorists for cooperation to help manage available supplies. Separately, the Caltex service station in Hin Lek Fai was reported to be closed on Sunday, according to an announcement shared on social media.
Image: Hua Hin Today
The situation follows guidance from PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited, which recently asked dealers to manage fuel dispensing appropriately in response to rising consumer demand. Recommendations included limiting sales to no more than 500 baht per four-wheeled vehicle, up to 1,000 baht for vehicles with six wheels or more, and between 3,000 and 5,000 baht for vehicles using fleet cards, depending on transaction type.
Fuel limits introduced as demand rises
Dealers were also instructed not to sell fuel outside official dispensing systems, with penalties warned for violations. However, exceptions were advised for government vehicles engaged in emergency or public service missions, including ambulances, fire engines and disaster relief units.
Elsewhere, Bangchak Energy said on Friday it had withdrawn a previously announced fuel purchase cap less than a day after introducing it. The company had initially limited refuelling for four-wheel vehicles to 700 baht per day and 3,000 baht for larger vehicles, while asking customers to avoid filling jerrycans except where necessary for agricultural use. Bangchak later confirmed that fuel supplies were sufficient and normal refuelling could resume.
Meanwhile, Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon has sought to reassure the public that Thailand has adequate fuel reserves despite global market uncertainty. Following talks with state energy firm PTT Plc and US-based liquefied natural gas producer Cheniere Energy Inc, the minister said efforts were under way to increase LNG deliveries to Thailand from 1 million tonnes per year to 1.3 million tonnes annually under an existing contract.
Authorities have urged motorists not to panic buy or hoard fuel, stating that national supply levels remain stable.
Main image: Freepix
