What should be done to reduce congestion at petrol stations?

The ongoing fuel shortage is causing long queues at petrol stations across the capital as desperate
motorists drive from place to place in a determined attempt to find fuel. Unfortunately, some drivers are inconsiderate and try to jump the queue or block traffic, which creates problems.
Vientiane Times asked a few people how they are coping with this difficult situation.  

Mr Khonsavanh, a government official in Vientiane province: I’ve read a lot of posts on social media about the difficult conditions at petrol stations. Unfortunately, a lot of people are disrespectful. I think the authorities should create a schedule of opening times, so that garages don’t open at the same time or in the rush hour. I also think it’s a good idea for petrol stations to arrange separate queues for motorbikes and other vehicles. Most importantly, everyone should be patient and tolerant. People who arrive first should get served first, and everyone should form a proper line so that things are orderly and everyone is treated fairly.

Mr Sisong Xaikia, a government official in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: It’s not easy to solve this problem because trying to get petrol these days is like trying to find a needle in the sea. People have to go out early to find fuel, but unfortunately many are bad mannered and don’t care what they do so long as they get a drop of petrol. Even though the demand for fuel has risen in recent years, the government can’t provide enough to meet everyone’s needs. I think the traffic police should help out in this situation and maintain order at petrol stations when long queues form. 
 
Mr Lay Lapnongseng, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: I think fuel stations should open between the rush hours, from 9am to 3pm, so that queues don’t interfere with traffic on busy roads. Petrol stations should limit the number of people who can buy fuel each day, and especially those who don’t bring their cars to the station, as this would help to prevent hoarding. Motorists should mind their manners and treat each other with consideration. Drivers who don’t need fuel should try to avoid roads that have many petrol stations, to prevent congestion and ease traffic flow.
 
Ms Bing, a resident of Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: I think this is a time to introduce more public transport. Travel by bus may not be as comfortable, but it saves money and is less stressful than driving a car or motorbike. I know the public transport system is woefully inadequate, but the government should try to improve things, both in urban and rural areas. This is one of the reasons why the government has to import so much fuel, as very few people use buses to go to work. I hope that together we can come up with ways to improve transport in Laos.

MsThidsamone, an employee in Champassak province: We don’t know how long it will take for this issue to be resolved. Everyone wants to keep their tank full because they worry about vendors taking advantage of the situation and increasing the price of fuel. Almost everything we buy in Laos, including fuel, is imported, so I think it’s quite hard for the authorities to tackle this issue. In the meantime, everyone should play fair and not try to take advantage of the situation. Petrol stations need to introduce rules to ensure that everyone can get fuel, and that queues are orderly.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update June 16, 2022)