Trang fishers hit by diesel shortages and jerrycan ban

2026-03-10 - 04:44

TRANG — 10 March 2026, Small-scale fishing boats in Trang are facing severe hardship after local petrol stations stopped selling diesel in jerrycans and supplies tightened, forcing some crews to suspend fishing trips. Coastal fishers in Hat Samran District said their remote communities have no large fuel stations and rely on only two small outlets. On some days, stations shut their gates after running out of fuel and reopen only when a new delivery arrives. At other stations, diesel alone runs out, prompting owners to post notices and suspend sales until fresh supplies arrive. Operators say diesel demand from fishers and farmers is high, and once stocks are depleted they must wait for new shipments before normal sales can resume. Upstream suppliers have also raised prices, they added. Local fishers said conditions have become extremely difficult. With diesel unavailable locally, many must travel as far as Yan Ta Khao District to buy fuel, bringing jerrycans to fill for their boats. However, some petrol stations refuse to sell fuel into containers, citing concerns about stockpiling. Fishers insist the fuel is needed simply to power their boats for trips to sea. As a result, some crews have been forced to cancel fishing trips due to a lack of fuel. Others who manage to obtain diesel say they can only travel short distances because they cannot carry reserve supplies. Prices have also risen sharply, fishers said. Diesel that once cost about 31 baht per litre is now selling for around 36 baht, worsening the financial strain. Many fear conditions will deteriorate further if the government withdraws support measures keeping diesel prices down. The restrictions have also affected other workers. At some petrol stations, owners of backhoe excavators have been seen transporting their machines by truck to refuel directly at pumps because fuel cannot be purchased in jerrycans.