Bangkok, Mar 28: Farmers and fishers across Thailand are facing mounting disruptions as rising fuel prices and shortages, triggered by tensions in the Middle East, impact agricultural and marine operations.
In key farming regions such as Ayutthaya, cultivators say they are struggling to secure diesel needed to run irrigation pumps and machinery essential for rice production.
Farmers reported long queues at fuel stations and intermittent shortages, with some unable to maintain normal supply levels for several days.
The scarcity has forced many to scale back irrigation, raising concerns over crop health and yields.
Thailand, which relies heavily on imported energy, has been affected by volatility in global oil markets following the ongoing US-Israel Iran conflict, officials and industry representatives said.
The Thai government has indicated that national reserves remain sufficient for the short term, but ground-level disruptions have already begun to impact daily life and economic activity.
Diesel prices have surged to around 38.94 baht per litre after the withdrawal of government subsidies, up from about 29.94 baht before the escalation in tensions, adding to the financial burden on farmers.
Agriculture groups warned that the crisis could severely affect Thailand’s output of key exports such as rice, sugar and processed seafood if conditions persist.
Fishers have also been hit, with many unable to operate due to high fuel costs, raising concerns that the multi-billion-dollar fishing industry could face a temporary halt without government support.
Industry representatives cautioned that the situation may worsen in the coming months, particularly as farmers prepare for the next planting cycle, which requires additional inputs such as fertilisers—many of which are also imported.
Experts said prolonged instability could lead to higher production costs, reduced output and supply chain disruptions, with potential ripple effects on both domestic markets and global food supplies.
