Diesel shortage hits Ayutthaya district for third day

2026-03-14 - 08:13

AYUTTHAYA — Several petrol stations in Nakhon Luang district of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya have run out of diesel for a third consecutive day, leaving many motorists scrambling to find fuel. Reports on 14 March said numerous stations along both main and secondary roads in the district had no diesel available, forcing drivers to travel from station to station in search of fuel. The shortage has particularly affected travellers and tourists using the Asian Highway 1 route through Nakhon Luang, a key corridor connecting central Thailand to the northeastern region. Many local residents have also taken to social media to warn diesel vehicle users to avoid travelling if their fuel levels are low. Checks by reporters confirmed that several stations said their diesel supplies had been depleted since the previous evening, while some had been without diesel for up to three days. Petrol station staff said they had spent much of the day explaining the situation to customers who arrived seeking fuel. Some motorists reportedly expressed frustration and questioned whether diesel was being stockpiled in anticipation of possible price increases amid global oil market volatility linked to ongoing conflicts. A survey of stations in Nakhon Luang found that most had no diesel available. One station on the inbound side of the Asian Highway near the Ban Ma railway bridge and the Kung Market area still had premium diesel in stock, though the regular grade had already run out. The situation has prompted many diesel vehicle owners to plan their journeys more carefully, particularly those passing through Nakhon Luang district on routes linking the Asian Highway to tourist destinations and the Northeast. Residents have called on relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the shortage, whether due to distribution problems or possible hoarding, to restore confidence among motorists affected by the disruption.