Thailand to curb petrol station hours in fuel-saving push after Songkran

Thailand will restrict petrol station operating hours late at night as part of new energy-saving measures prompted by global supply concerns linked to the Middle East conflict, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on April 7.

Under the proposal, petrol stations across the country could be required to close between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m., with the restrictions expected to take effect from April 20, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Authorities said the measure is intended to conserve fuel and improve energy management amid volatile international conditions.

The government stressed that the policy will not disrupt travel during the Songkran holiday period, one of Thailand’s busiest annual travel seasons, which runs from April 13 to 15. The festival, widely celebrated across the country, typically sees a surge in domestic travel as people return to their hometowns.

Officials framed the move as a precautionary step rather than a response to immediate shortages.

By Aghakazim Guliyev