Fuel sales to be temporarily restricted in Tachileik due to Thai restrictions

MEKONG, July 15 Amidst strict inspections and crackdowns on fuel smuggling boats along the Mekong River in Thailand, fuel imports to the eastern Shan State region have decreased, prompting a temporary rationing of fuel sales within the region, the Fuel Entrepreneurs Association announced. Starting today, July 15, fuel stations will only be open from 7 AM to 12 PM daily, with temporary restrictions on the amount sold per vehicle: up to 500 Thai baht worth of fuel for cars, 100 baht for three-wheeled motorcycles, and 50 baht for motorcycles, sold on a pro-rata basis. The association stated that this measure is being implemented to prevent fuel shortages, as temporary difficulties are currently occurring in the fuel transportation routes from Thailand to the region. The reason for the increased scrutiny is that Thai authorities discovered that some fuel tankers, declared to be heading to Laos, were being rerouted through land and water routes into Myanmar and illegally smuggled, according to sources. Thai police have been investigating this fuel smuggling network for nearly a year and are currently scrutinizing the details and owners of each smuggling vessel. Intelligence suggests that each smuggling boat can carry approximately 400,000 liters of fuel, and the total amount of fuel illegally smuggled into Myanmar during this period could be close to 10 million liters, Thai authorities estimate. In 2025, Thailand banned the sale of fuel and electricity to eastern Shan State, Myanmar, citing the need to combat illegal gambling operations. As a consequence of Thailand's stricter inspections of fuel smuggling gangs and the temporary ban and restrictions on fuel exports to Myanmar, several towns in eastern Shan State are currently facing rising fuel prices and the closure of many fuel stations. These difficulties in purchasing fuel could potentially impact the region's rainy season agricultural activities, goods transportation, travel, and the entire urban production sector.