Pattaya, March 25th, 2026
Long queues formed at petrol stations across Pattaya today as motorists and motorcyclists hurried to fill up their tanks before a sharp nationwide fuel price increase takes effect tomorrow.
The Oil Fuel Fund Management Committee (กบน.) announced on March 25th that it had approved a reduction in fuel subsidies for both diesel and petrol groups. As a result, retail prices for all fuel types will rise by 6 baht per litre starting at 5:00 a.m. on March 26, 2026.
The main reason for the hike is escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have driven global oil prices steadily higher. This has significantly increased costs in the Singapore market and placed heavy pressure on Thailand’s Oil Fuel Fund, which has been covering large daily subsidy burdens.
The announcement triggered an immediate surge in demand in Pattaya, Chonburi province. Residents and tourists alike flocked to major petrol stations throughout the city, creating unusually busy scenes with vehicles lining up for fuel. Many stations saw queues spilling out onto surrounding roads, causing noticeable traffic slowdowns in the area. Station staff worked at full capacity to handle the sudden rush.
Mr. Rachan Songsee, a 26-year-old Pattaya resident, told reporters he decided to refuel immediately after hearing the news. “The price increase will directly affect my cost of living and daily travel expenses, especially since I rely on my vehicle for work. When I heard it would go up by 6 baht, I came out right away to save money in advance. But so many people had the same idea l, the queues are huge. If prices keep rising like this, it’s going to be very hard for ordinary people to cope,” he said.
Local observers noted that the atmosphere in Pattaya, normally lively due to tourism, became even more energetic today as the pre-hike rush added to the usual hustle and bustle.
The price adjustment is expected to impact transportation costs, logistics, and the overall cost of living, particularly for those who depend on vehicles for their livelihood.
