The prolonged conflict in the Middle East has resulted in an oil shortage, affecting daily life and livelihoods for farmers, agricultural workers, exporters, SMEs, and startups, among others.

The oil supply chain, interconnected across all classes and professions, relies on oil throughout the entire cycle. In addition to the shortage, prices have also increased for diesel, gasoline, and gasohol. Some gas stations are limiting fuel purchases to 500 baht, impacting those who urgently need fuel, especially truck drivers, farmers, and vendors, leading to long queues in the mornings.

Salaried workers are also affected. Some government and private organizations have begun implementing work-from-home policies to reduce expenses and fuel consumption for commuting.

And importantly, many consumer goods, including drinking water, fish sauce, cooking oil, and food, have increased in price, with some items experiencing shortages and requiring re-production and transportation. This has caused hardship for some Thais who use these items daily.

Some department stores, modern trade outlets, and wholesale and retail stores have run out of stock because some Thais rushed to buy and stockpile goods. However, those with low incomes will have to buy only what is available to get by day-to-day.

Many experts point out that if the Middle East conflict continues, Thais of all professions must adapt to the situation with mindfulness and hope...

Saving, tightening belts, and living a life of sufficiency are the only ways we Thais can overcome the oil shortage, high prices of goods, expensive electricity, and many other problems that will follow, both now and in the future.