Queues at gas stations in Phuket after news about the closure of the Strait of Hormuz — Russian tourists and locals rushed to fill up tanks and cans due to the potential increase in gasoline prices starting March 4.

People have been gathering since the evening in Bang Tao and Bang Chak — some gas stations have signs stating that gasoline is not sold in cans, only directly into the tank. Therefore, they are filling up as much as they can amid the situation in the Middle East — Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and threatened to open fire on any vessel attempting to pass through. Thailand’s Ministry of Energy warned that there is a risk of a sharp price increase after March 4 — the price of Diesel oil on global markets has started testing the $100 per barrel mark.

Thailand does not produce its own oil; the country imports it from the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Malaysia — mainly through the Strait of Hormuz. Prices are stable for now, but panic has already begun — a doubling or more in prices is possible.