Malaysians intending to spend the extended Aidilfitri holiday in Thailand are being encouraged to temporarily postpone their travel plans following widespread reports of petrol and diesel shortages over the last 48 hours. This advisory specifically targets travellers considering driving to popular tourist hotspots such as Songkhla and Hat Yai. Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi, the Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla, suggested on Wednesday that individuals should delay any non-essential or non-urgent journeys to the neighbouring country for the time being.
The current scarcity of fuel is reportedly not a result of production deficits but is instead driven by panic buying among Thai citizens. This surge in demand has been triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, leading to significant congestion at various petrol stations across southern Thailand. Many outlets have been forced to cease operations temporarily after completely exhausting their available fuel stocks.
While the situation has caused logistical challenges, the Consul General confirmed that there have been no official reports of Malaysians currently stranded due to the crisis. However, the official stance remains that potential visitors should wait until the supply chain stabilises before attempting to cross the border. Meanwhile, the Thai government has issued assurances that the national fuel supply for domestic consumption remains sufficient despite the localized pressure at the pumps.
According to Aida Oujeh, President of the Thai-ASEAN Halal Tourism Industry Association, the disruptions to fuel availability are expected to persist for approximately 10 days, having commenced on 16 March. She noted that the impact is being felt equally by locals and international visitors, with the closure of many stations creating hurdles for daily transportation and tourism activities. The association is monitoring the situation closely as the region prepares for the festive season influx.
For those who must travel to Thailand for urgent matters, officials recommend meticulous planning and extreme caution. It is advised that Malaysian drivers fill their vehicle tanks to maximum capacity before crossing the international border. Additionally, travellers are encouraged to attempt refuelling during the early morning hours when some stations may have received limited overnight replenishments, ensuring they have enough fuel to navigate the affected southern provinces.
