Long queues stretched across Vientiane Monday as fuel shortages deepened in Laos, triggered by global energy disruptions from the Middle East conflict. The landlocked country relies on Thailand for nearly all its fuel.
More than 40% of Laos’ 2,538 filling stations were closed last week. In Vientiane, over 15 stations ran dry Monday. Others imposed strict rationing, with wait times reaching two hours to refuel a motorcycle.
"Sometimes we have money but there's no gas to buy," said Vetthavixay Phaengvixay, a 29-year-old teacher. "We teachers usually have extra jobs... which makes us need fuel more than ever."
Diesel prices have surged nearly 50% to 31,560 kip ($1.47) per litre. Panic buying followed Thailand’s brief export suspension in February, despite a 12-million-litre emergency delivery since.
Laotian authorities banned fuel hoarding and urged ministries to reduce travel. Citizens are being encouraged to switch to electric vehicles as supplies remain unstable.