Energy authorities and oil traders are preparing to import more crude oil from outside the Middle East as the escalating conflict disrupts two key shipping routes -- the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Before the war, Thailand relied heavily on the Middle East for crude oil, with 58% of imports coming mainly from the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia. The remaining 42% was sourced from the US and Asia-Pacific.

Recent attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, claimed by Yemen's Houthi fighters, and the collapse of a temporary ceasefire between the US and Iran have forced traders to diversify supply routes.

An oil company executive who requested anonymity said the global energy outlook is tightening again and may prove more severe than earlier conflicts in the region.

Refiners and traders have already activated contingency plans, including buying crude from ships that left port before the latest disruptions.

Additional supplies are being sourced from producers in Africa, the US and Southeast Asia.

If conditions worsen, shipments may be rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, following ancient trade routes between Europe and Asia. However, this detour would add about 30 days to transport time and significantly raise costs, said the executive.

The source warned that the crude oil premium -- the extra charge above standard market prices -- has surged more than 400%, similar to spikes seen during conflicts earlier this year.

The premium reflects either the quality of the oil or risk of supply disruption, meaning refiners are paying far more to secure barrels.

Plans to purchase Russian crude remain uncertain due to international sanctions imposed on Moscow following its invasion of Ukraine.

Instead, Thailand has increased imports from the US and Argentina, said Veerapat Kiatfuengfoo, deputy energy permanent secretary.

As of July 23, Thailand holds combined reserves of 2.353 billion litres of commercial oil, 3,385 billion litres of legal reserves, 4.299 billion litres in transit and 3.280 billion litres confirmed for shipment, enough to meet demand for 108 days.

Thailand uses nearly 1 million barrels of crude oil a day, with 92% imported and 8% sourced domestically.