Running low on fuel is one of the most common small worries for first-time riders in Phuket — where's the nearest station, what do I put in the tank, and will I get in trouble for returning the bike on "empty"? This guide answers all three. Below you'll find realistic refueling options near every one of our five branches — Chalong, Mai Khao, Phuket Airport, Bangtao, and Phuket Old Town — plus what fuel your scooter actually needs, what it costs in 2026, and how our fuel policy works.
Gasoline, Not Diesel — What Your Scooter Actually Drinks
This sounds obvious until you're standing at an unfamiliar pump, but it's worth saying clearly: every scooter and automatic motorbike we rent runs on gasoline (petrol), never diesel. In Thailand this fuel is usually sold as "gasohol," a petrol-ethanol blend. Putting diesel into a gasoline engine by mistake is a real and expensive problem — it won't just fail to run, it can cause serious internal engine damage that isn't covered by normal wear and tear. If you're ever unsure which nozzle to use, just tell the station attendant "gasohol 95" (แก๊สโซฮอล์ 95) or show them your bike's fuel cap — Thai gas station staff pump for you and are used to helping tourists get this right.
Gasohol 95 (sometimes labeled E10, usually a green pump handle) is the standard recommendation for automatic scooters like the Honda Click or Yamaha Fino, and it's what we recommend using in our own fleet. Gasohol 91 is a slightly cheaper blue-handled option that also works fine in most basic automatic models if a station doesn't offer 95. You don't need to overthink it — any major-brand station on the island sells the right fuel for your bike.
What Fuel Costs in Phuket in 2026
Fuel prices in Thailand move up and down weekly with global oil prices, but as a working number, Gasohol 95 has been running roughly 35-40 THB per liter through 2026 (around 39 THB/liter as of mid-September). A typical 125cc automatic scooter has a 4-5 liter tank, so filling up from near-empty usually costs somewhere around 150-220 THB — genuinely one of the smallest costs of a Phuket trip. If you're renting for a week or more and riding daily, budgeting roughly 100-150 THB a day for fuel is a safe estimate for normal in-town and beach-hopping use.
Our Fuel Policy
Chang Thai uses a fair, simple fuel policy: you receive the bike with a certain amount of fuel in the tank, and we ask that you return it with roughly the same level. This is the standard approach across Thailand's rental industry — it avoids you having to hunt for a station to "fill it to full" right before drop-off, and it avoids us overcharging you for fuel you didn't use. A couple of practical tips: snap a quick photo of the fuel gauge when you pick up the bike, and try to return it with a similar reading rather than running it down to fumes. If you have any question about the fuel level on your specific bike, our team at pickup will confirm it with you directly — you're also always welcome to message us on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999 if anything is unclear.
Where to Refuel Near Each Branch
All five Chang Thai branches sit within a short ride of at least one major fuel brand — mostly PTT and Shell, the two networks that cover Phuket most densely. Here's what's realistically nearby at each location.
Chalong Branch (Main Branch)
Chalong is one of the best-served areas on the island for fuel. There's a PTT station right on Chao Fa West Road near Wat Chalong, and another PTT further along Chao Fa East Road toward Wichit — both just a few minutes from the Chalong Circle area where our main branch operates. Like most PTT stations in Phuket, these come with a 7-Eleven and Café Amazon attached, so it's an easy stop to grab a coffee or snack at the same time. If you're heading out toward Rawai or Nai Harn, you'll also pass additional stations along Patak Road.
Mai Khao Branch
Mai Khao is quieter and less built-up than the southern beaches, but fuel is still easy to find. There's a Shell station directly on the highway running through Mai Khao, and a Susco station a short ride south near Nai Yang/Nai Thon. Since this stretch of road (Highway 402) is the main artery connecting the north of the island to the airport, stations here tend to be spaced along the highway rather than clustered — expect a short ride rather than a station on every corner, but you won't run into trouble finding one.
Phuket Airport Branch
If you're picking up or dropping off near the airport, there's a PTT station (with an attached 7-Eleven) right on Thepkrasattri Road in Sakhu, just outside the airport entrance area — a convenient last stop for a top-up before a flight or right after you land. This is one of the more heavily used stations on this stretch of road since it catches both airport traffic and locals commuting along the highway, so it's well maintained and easy to spot.
Bangtao Branch
Bangtao and the surrounding Cherngtalay/Laguna area are more resort-focused, so fuel stations are a little less concentrated right on the beach road itself. Your best bet is Srisoonthorn Road, the main road connecting Bangtao/Laguna to Thalang and the rest of the island — several PTT and Shell stations line this route within a few minutes of the Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket area. If you're heading toward Surin or Kamala, you'll pass additional options along the coastal road as well.
Phuket Old Town Branch
Old Town is compact and walkable, and fuel is easy to reach without going far. There's a Shell station on Dibuk Road in the Talat Yai area, close to the heart of the old town's heritage streets (Thalang Road, Phang Nga Road, Yaowarat Road). Additional PTT stations sit on the busier roads ringing the town center, which are convenient if you're about to head out toward Chalong, Kathu, or the west coast beaches and want to fill up on your way out rather than searching once you're back among the narrow old-town lanes.
FAQ: Fuel and Your Chang Thai Rental
What fuel does my rental scooter need?
Gasohol 95 (or Gasohol 91 if 95 isn't available) — never diesel. Just ask for "gasohol" at any station and the attendant will pump the correct fuel for you.
What happens if I return the bike with less fuel than I received it with?
Our policy is to return the bike at roughly the same fuel level it was given to you at. A small difference isn't an issue, but if the tank is noticeably lower, our team may ask you to cover the difference. Taking a photo of the gauge at pickup makes this easy to track on both sides.
Are gas stations open early or late?
Most PTT and Shell stations in Phuket open early (around 5-6 a.m.) and stay open into the late evening; larger stations on main highways, like the ones near the airport and along Chao Fa Road in Chalong, tend to keep longer hours. It's still worth refueling before late night if you're heading somewhere remote.
Can I pay by card at Phuket gas stations?
Most major PTT and Shell stations accept cards, but smaller independent stations may be cash-only. It's a good habit to carry some cash (a few hundred baht) for fuel stops just in case.
Ready to book your scooter or motorbike from whichever branch suits your trip? Reserve online at changthairentals.com/rent-bike-phuket, or message us directly on WhatsApp at +66 93 687 1999 and our team will help you pick the right bike and branch for your stay.