BANGKOK — 7 April 2026, Thailand’s prime minister said the government is considering restricting petrol station operating hours to conserve fuel, with measures likely to take effect after the Songkran holiday period.
Speaking at the Interior Ministry at 9:20, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said authorities are preparing energy-saving measures to ensure sufficient domestic fuel supplies amid tensions in the Middle East.
He said the government is looking at limiting petrol station operations between 22:00 and 5:00, but stressed the policy would likely be implemented only after 20 April to avoid disrupting travel during the Songkran festival.
“We want people to be able to travel home and return conveniently during Songkran,” he said.
Anutin added that a new centre would be set up to monitor the situation in the Middle East after the previous body’s term ended with the former government.
When asked whether an emergency decree on fuel shortages would be revised to support the measures, he said authorities would use the most effective legal mechanisms available but did not specify a timeline.
He also said the Energy Ministry has been instructed to study refinery margins and report back on the pricing structure, adding that discussions with relevant ministers are ongoing.
