Chiang Mai Governor Rattapon Naradit has addressed the media over concerns about fuel availability in the province, following reports of tightening supplies in some areas and the knock-on effects of rising global oil prices. Residents have grown anxious about potential shortages, hoarding and opportunistic price gouging by operators.
The governor confirmed that following a meeting with agencies overseeing commodity prices and energy, the province holds fuel reserves across four depots — enough to sustain supply for at least three months. However, he acknowledged that the current climate risks triggering panic buying, which could drain individual stations faster than deliveries can keep pace. Of 53 petrol stations surveyed, seven had run dry, though he stressed that resupply trucks are operating and replenishments are ongoing — delays, where they occur, are a consequence of unusually high consumption rather than any genuine shortage.
On the broader economic picture, the governor said he has issued directives to the Provincial Commercial Office, the Consumer Protection Office, local administration chiefs and relevant agencies, warning against premature price hikes ahead of any formal government measures. He added that inspections to date have found no violations, though enforcement action remains available should that change.
He closed with a firm reminder to operators: profiteering and hoarding during a period of price volatility will not be tolerated. Joint inspections across all agencies are continuing, and so far all stations visited have been found to be operating normally.
