The situation in Songkhla Province is currently dire, as the fuel crisis, compounded by the upcoming Songkran (Water Festival), is severely disrupting latex harvesting and supply chains.
1. Gasoline and Diesel Shortages (Songkhla Province Enters “Critical State”)
As of late March 2026, Songkhla Province is one of the hardest-hit provinces in Thailand’s fuel crisis.
• Logistics Collapse: Latex collection relies heavily on small trucks and motorcycles shuttling between scattered smallholder farmers and distribution centers. With many gas stations in Songkhla closed or implementing fuel rationing (500 baht per car and only 50 baht per motorcycle), rubber farmers are facing the dilemma of having rubber but no way to transport it.
• High Risk of Spoilage: Fresh latex must reach processing plants within hours of tapping to prevent natural coagulation. Fuel shortages have led to long lines and transportation delays, causing the latex to spoil or degrade in quality (increased volatile fatty acid [VFA] content).
• Machinery downtime: Large plantations rely on diesel-powered machinery for daily maintenance and primary processing; the widespread “diesel sold out” signs currently displayed at gas stations in Songkhla Province mean these production activities have ground to a halt.
2. The “Double Whammy” of Songkran
The fuel crisis is peaking in the run-up to Songkran, which runs from April 11 to 15, presenting additional challenges:
• Labor Shortages: Traditionally, rubber tappers cease work during the festival. Combined with the current fuel crisis, many workers may choose to take “vacation” early because they cannot afford high fuel prices or cannot obtain fuel.
• Panic buying: The Thai government has warned that the travel surge during Songkran will further drive up fuel demand. Even if the government releases emergency oil reserves, supply shortages may persist until mid-April.
• Worsening supply gaps: Southern Thailand is currently in the “leaf-shedding and reduced production period” (low-yield season) for rubber trees, and this man-made fuel disruption is compounding the already tight supply of raw materials.
3. Analysis of Market Impact
• Glove Industry (Nitrile/Natural Latex): Prices for concentrated latex are expected to experience more severe fluctuations than in previous years over the coming weeks. If Songkhla Province—a key hub—is unable to transport products to the “Rubber City” industrial zone or for export to international markets, short-term supply contracts may be disrupted.
Post time: Mar-26-2026