Malaysian petrol stations limit fuel for Thai vehicles to 35 ringgit

2026-03-16 - 06:43

YALA — Long queues formed at petrol stations in Betong district of southern Yala province on 16 March as residents rushed to refuel amid concerns over global oil supply following fighting in the Middle East. The surge in demand led to temporary fuel shortages at several stations. Some pumps posted signs reading “diesel sold out,” while others shortened operating hours to between 12:00 and 18:00. At several stations, lines of vehicles stretched onto nearby roads as tanker trucks had yet to deliver new supplies. Some residents were also seen bringing large containers to store fuel for agricultural use and transport. To manage demand, several stations limited purchases to no more than 1,000 baht worth of fuel per customer. The restrictions left some motorists travelling through the area unable to refuel. Meanwhile, some residents who needed to travel long distances opted to cross the border to refuel in Malaysia, where fuel prices are cheaper than in Thailand. In Malaysia, diesel sells for about 2.15 ringgit per litre, while RON95 petrol costs 1.99 ringgit and RON97 petrol 3.85 ringgit. The exchange rate is about 1 ringgit to 8.25 baht. Malaysian authorities have limited purchases by vehicles from Thailand to no more than 35 ringgit per fill. The country subsidises fuel for its citizens and is seeking to prevent shortages caused by foreign demand. According to Bernama, Malaysian officials have also stepped up monitoring of petrol stations near the Thai border to prevent possible fuel smuggling as global oil supply concerns grow. In Kelantan state, 48 petrol stations along the Malaysia–Thailand border are under continuous surveillance by the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living. Authorities said half of the stations are located within a 25-kilometre radius of the border and have been identified as potential hotspots for fuel smuggling. Officials said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could drive higher fuel demand in border areas, prompting tighter enforcement and monitoring.