Bangkok, March 24, 2026 – Thailand’s Department of Energy Business (DEB), under the Ministry of Energy, officially launches the “Fuel Now” mobile application on March 24th to provide real-time information on fuel availability at gas stations across the country.
The app allows users to check the current status of petrol stations nationwide, including whether fuel is available, which types (such as diesel or gasoline), and if stations are open or temporarily closed. It integrates data from provincial energy offices and gas station operators to help motorists locate supplies efficiently, reduce unnecessary travel, and minimize panic buying that has contributed to localized shortages.
This comes in response to recent disruptions in fuel distribution, driven by heightened public demand, panic purchasing, and supply chain strains linked to international factors, including conflicts in the Middle East affecting global oil routes and prices. Authorities have also said that Thailand’s strategic oil reserves remain sufficient, currently standing at around 103 days of supply, with confirmed procurement for substantial volumes already in place.
In addition to the app rollout, the DEB has instructed gas stations to prioritize fuel sales to essential users, including ambulances, fire trucks, government vehicles, and farmers. Stations have been ordered not to refuse service to these priority groups. The department is also working to accelerate fuel deliveries, including coordination for round-the-clock tanker operations and easing restrictions on drawing from reserves to ensure broader distribution.
The “Fuel Now” app builds on earlier public and government efforts, such as daily updates posted on Provincial Energy Office Facebook pages and community-developed tools like “Pump Radar,” which allowed users to report and view station statuses. The new official app wants to centralize and improve accuracy by requiring stations to submit real-time data through provincial channels.
Officials have stated that while some areas have experienced long queues and temporary situations of being sold out entirely of fuel, particularly for diesel, the situation is expected to stabilize within the coming one to two weeks as distribution normalizes. The government has urged the public to avoid hoarding and to use the app for planning refueling to ease pressure on supplies.
The app is available for download soon with ongoing updates to expand coverage and features, although language features are likely to primarily focus at least initially on Thai. Further measures, including price monitoring and enforcement against hoarding or illegal sales, remain in effect to maintain market stability.
For the original version of this article, please visit The Pattaya News.
