Fuel Shortage Cripples Taxi Services at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport

A severe fuel shortage is crippling taxi operations at Suvarnabhumi Airport, leaving half the registered fleet out of service and prompting drivers to decline long-distance fares.

The crisis has led to growing frustration among passengers, many of whom face extended waiting times and limited transportation options. Airport authorities are urging immediate intervention to address the issue, as the shortage threatens to disrupt travel plans and tarnish the airport’s reputation as a key regional hub.

Key Details:

• Only about 2,500 of 5,000–6,000 registered taxis are currently operating according to a Bangkok Post report, with SUV taxis — popular with families and travellers with heavy luggage — among the hardest hit.
• Most airport taxis run on LPG or NGV (natural gas), and the crisis is not about fuel costs but availability, due to distribution bottlenecks and hoarding despite government assurances of adequate oil reserves.
• Drivers are limiting themselves to short trips or morning-only shifts to avoid running out of fuel mid-journey.
• The shortage is linked to the ongoing Middle East war, which has disrupted supply chains and caused hundreds of service stations to run dry regularly.
• The taxi association is preparing proposals to the government, including a shift from traditional meters to app-based fare calculation.

Why It Matters:
The disruption poses a significant challenge for travellers at one of Southeast Asia’s busiest airports, and highlights how global fuel supply instability can have direct, localised impacts on everyday transport services.

SUV Taxis Disappearing at Suvarnabhumi

SUV taxis are disappearing at Suvarnabhumi Airport primarily due to a severe fuel shortage, not high fuel prices. Large SUV and van-type taxis, which are preferred by families and travelers with bulky luggage, are increasingly suspending services because drivers cannot reliably refuel, especially for long-distance trips like those to Pattaya.

• Drivers fear running out of fuel mid-journey with no guarantee of finding a refill, prompting them to avoid long trips altogether.
• The Suvarnabhumi Taxi Coordination Association reports that only about 2,500 of the 5,000–6,000 registered taxis are currently in service, with many drivers halting operations or adjusting schedules to work only in the morning when fuel is more accessible.
• The issue affects LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) and NGV (natural gas for vehicles) taxis, which are common in Bangkok for cost and environmental reasons.
• The association has called on the government for intervention, including proposals to shift to app-based fare systems, but action is pending a fully empowered administration.

As a result, availability of SUV taxis has significantly declined, making it harder for passengers to find suitable vehicles for long-distance travel from the airport.

File picture : Airport taxi during Covid crisis

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