(Myawaddy, 14th) Myanmar’s Kayin State city of Myawaddy is facing a severe fuel shortage crisis. Local residents report that most gas stations have closed, forcing people to buy fuel at exorbitant prices on the black market, with prices soaring to as high as 8,000 kyat (about 3.8 USD) per liter.
According to reports, as of August 13, the price of 92-octane gasoline at Myawaddy gas stations was 5,000 kyat per liter, while the price outside of the official market was around 5,500 kyat. However, as supply was interrupted, the price on the unofficial market quickly surged to 8,000 kyat per liter.
Residents pointed out that fuel transport has been hampered by fighting in the mountainous areas, preventing fuel tankers from passing through and exacerbating the local fuel shortage. One resident said: “We have to stand in long lines to buy fuel. If things keep getting worse, we’ll have to go to Thailand to purchase it.”
As an important border trade city, Myawaddy’s current fuel crisis not only affects local livelihoods but has also pushed up the prices of staple foods. Increased transportation costs have made life even more burdensome.
Residents pointed out that fuel transport has been hampered by fighting in the mountainous areas, preventing fuel tankers from passing through and exacerbating the local fuel shortage. One resident said: “We have to stand in long lines to buy fuel. If things keep getting worse, we’ll have to go to Thailand to purchase it.”
As an important border trade city, Myawaddy’s current fuel crisis not only affects local livelihoods but has also pushed up the prices of staple foods. Increased transportation costs have made life even more burdensome.