Ride-hailing platforms in Thailand are rolling out support measures for drivers as surging global oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East begin to weigh on operating costs and earnings.
Chantsuda Thananitayaudom, country head of Grab Thailand, said the company is closely monitoring the situation and its potential impact on the business. In response, Grab has introduced a temporary incentive scheme worth 10 million baht to help offset rising fuel costs for drivers and delivery partners.
The programme, running from March 18 to April 1, provides per-trip fuel subsidies for drivers using petrol-powered cars and motorcycles, with incentive levels varying driver tier. Payments will be automatically credited to drivers’ e-wallets by April 6. Grab said it will continue to assess developments and adjust its strategy to ensure a balanced approach for all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Bolt Thailand said it is also evaluating the impact of higher fuel prices on driver earnings and is preparing targeted support measures. The company has already revised its bonus structure to prioritise peak-hour operations, enabling drivers to maximise income during periods of higher demand and partially offset increased fuel expenses.
“Our priority is to maintain a careful balance between driver costs and rider pricing to ensure our platform remains fair and sustainable for all parties,” the company said.
At the policy level, the government has moved to safeguard national energy supply amid rising global uncertainty. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has ordered urgent nationwide measures, instructing provincial governors to coordinate with police to allow oil transport trucks to operate around the clock.
The directive aims to prevent potential fuel shortages and ensure uninterrupted distribution to households and businesses. Interior permanent secretary Unsit Sampuntharat said the Interior Ministry has been tasked with working closely with the Energy Ministry to maintain stable access to fuel nationwide.
As part of a temporary one-month measure, authorities will relax traffic restrictions that limit the operating hours and routes of oil tankers, following concerns from oil traders that existing rules were slowing deliveries.
Energy Minister Auttapol Rerkpiboon said Thailand has made progress in diversifying its energy sources, reducing reliance on Middle Eastern crude from around 70% previously to just over 50%. The country is increasingly sourcing oil from regions such as Africa and the United States to enhance energy security and reduce geopolitical risk exposure.
In recent weeks, state energy firms have secured nearly two million barrels of crude from Angola, along with an additional 600,000–700,000 barrels from the United States, while also expanding procurement from countries including South Africa and Malaysia.