Laos Fuel Crisis: Long queues, gas stations shut

Thairath•International•1d ago

Reader Briefing

Laos is experiencing a severe fuel shortage, forcing residents into long queues for gas and leading to numerous station closures.

•Laos is facing a severe fuel crisis, characterized by long queues at gas stations and widespread closures.
•The crisis is exacerbated by international conflicts impacting global oil transport and Cambodia's initial suspension of exports.
•As of March 16, 2026, over 40% of gas stations nationwide were closed, with those operating limiting fuel amounts.
•Rising global energy prices have significantly increased fuel costs in Laos, with diesel prices up by nearly 50%.

•The fuel crisis in Laos is intensifying due to disruptions in crude oil transport caused by the Middle East conflict.
•On March 16, 2026, residents in Vientiane, Laos, faced extended queues at petrol stations. (Source: CNA)
•Over 40% of Laos's 2,538 petrol stations nationwide were closed in the past week.
•Over 15 petrol stations in Vientiane were found closed on Monday, displaying 'out of fuel' signs.
•Operating petrol stations in Vientiane are restricting fuel amounts due to critically low reserves.
•Laos relies heavily on fuel imports from Thailand, which initially suspended exports.
•Thailand has since assured Laos of ongoing fuel shipments and provided 12 million liters of emergency fuel.
•Diesel prices in Laos have surged by nearly 50% to 31,560 kip per liter, approximately 47.49 Baht.

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Lao Teacher

"Sometimes we have money, but no fuel to buy..."

บางครั้งเรามีเงิน แต่ไม่มีน้ำมันให้ซื้อ ...

Motorbike Taxi Driver

"The last time I could refuel was Friday, and now it's almost empty."

ครั้งสุดท้ายที่ผมหาที่เติมน้ำมันรถได้คือเมื่อวันศุกร์ และตอนนี้มันกำลังจะหมดแล้ว

Laos(ลาว)ℹ️

A Southeast Asian country facing a severe fuel shortage.

Vientiane(นครหลวงเวียงจันทน์)ℹ️

The capital city of Laos where long queues at petrol stations are observed.

Thailand(ไทย)ℹ️

A neighboring country to Laos that supplies fuel and initially suspended exports.

United States(สหรัฐฯ)ℹ️

A country whose actions in the Middle East have contributed to the global energy crisis.

Israel(อิสราเอล)ℹ️

A country whose actions in the Middle East have contributed to the global energy crisis.

Iran(อิหร่าน)ℹ️

A country whose conflict with the United States and Israel is impacting global energy markets.

Strait of Hormuz(ช่องแคบฮอร์มุซ)ℹ️

A critical global oil shipping route that has been affected by the Middle East conflict.

Channel News Asia(แชนเนลนิวส์เอเชีย)

A Singaporean media outlet that reported on the fuel crisis in Laos.

A news agency that reported on the closure of petrol stations in Vientiane.

Global Petrol Prices

An organization that provided data on Laos's gasoline price increase during the conflict.