Thailand to continue fuel exports to Laos amid Middle East tensions

2026-03-03 - 09:23

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Thailand will continue exporting fuel to Laos despite heightened tensions in the Middle East, stressing the importance of energy cooperation with its neighbor as concerns grow over a possible closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking on 3 March after chairing a meeting at the Foreign Ministry to assess the regional situation, Anutin said Thailand has the legal authority to suspend fuel exports if national security requires it. However, he noted that exports remain in place for Laos, citing close bilateral ties and mutual energy dependence. Thailand imports part of its electricity supply from Laos, while exporting surplus refined fuel in return. Thailand refines about 170 million liters of fuel per day and consumes around 130 million liters domestically. Approximately 7 million liters per day are exported to Laos, with additional volumes shipped to other countries. Anutin said if the situation escalates, the government may need to reassess exports totaling more than 30 million liters per day that currently generate revenue. He emphasized that Thailand’s fuel reserves remain sufficient and the situation has not reached a crisis point. While global market volatility may affect prices, he said the government will meet with the Energy and Commerce ministries on 4 March to discuss measures to stabilize costs and ease the burden on the public. “Thailand First,” he said, means minimizing any impact on the country while maintaining essential partnerships, including with Laos.