Thanadet Traiyot, a rice farmer in Ayutthaya, Thailand, struggles with diesel shortages that threaten his crops due to rising prices fueled by the US-Israel war, impacting farmers’ operations significantly.
Key Points
- Thanadet Traiyot, a rice farmer in Ayutthaya, Thailand, faces severe diesel shortages after waiting hours at gas stations. Fuel scarcity, heightened by the US-Israel war on Iran, threatens his farming operations and the livelihoods of many farmers, as diesel prices surged significantly.
- The energy crisis is disrupting essential services, including transportation and agricultural production. Farmers struggle to source diesel for machinery, while the fishing industry warns of impending shutdowns without government intervention. Fertilizer costs are also expected to rise as the conflict persists.
- Regional governments are implementing measures to conserve fuel, but farmers fear for their futures. Many may have to abandon crops or limit production. Amidst rising costs and ongoing uncertainty, farmers remain hopeful for an end to the conflict, reflecting on the war’s widespread negative impacts.
Fuel Scarcity Impacting Farmers
Thanadet Traiyot, a rice farmer from Ayutthaya, Thailand, has faced significant challenges due to severe diesel shortages affecting his operations. After waiting in line for hours, he learned that the local gas station had run out of diesel, a vital resource for maintaining his rice paddies. The scarcity necessitates careful management of limited water resources, as Thanadet balances the need to operate his pumps and tend to his crops. Coupled with this scarcity, fuel prices have escalated, partly due to geopolitical tensions, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to secure affordable diesel for their agricultural needs.
Wider Economic Disruption
The ongoing energy crisis prompted by the conflict in the Middle East has led to widespread disruptions across Thailand and neighboring countries, heavily reliant on imported energy. Many gas stations report shortages, resulting in reduced services for public transport and halting other critical operations, like cremations in temples. Farmers and fishers are particularly hard-hit, with warnings that the fishing industry could be completely stalled without government intervention to address rising fuel costs. The increase in diesel prices, rising from 29.94 to 38.94 baht per liter, has raised serious concerns about future harvests as more fuel will be needed during the upcoming season.
Concerns for Future Food Security
Experts like Pramote Charoensilp emphasize the potential long-term ramifications of these issues if the conflict continues, particularly regarding the sourcing of fertilizers which are also imported from the Middle East. There are fears that food production costs in regions like Myanmar could double, leading to acute hunger for a significant portion of the population. The UN warns that without intervention, millions globally could face severe food insecurity by 2026. While Thailand’s government is initiating measures to support farmers, including marketing rice above current rates and subsidizing fertilizer costs, many farmers worry about their ability to sustain production. As Thanadet reflects on the situation, he hopes for a swift resolution, acknowledging, “No one benefits from war.”
Source : In Thailand’s rice paddies, rising petrol prices spell chaos for farmers | Thailand
