By Ra Wai / MPA
Diesel fuel is being sold in restricted quantities at filling stations across Mawlamyine, the capital of Mon State.
Licensed gas stations in Mawlamyine resumed selling diesel fuel on Wednesday morning, but only to vehicles, with strict limits on the amount sold. Purchases in containers are no longer permitted, according to a source from Mawlamyine.
“Stations are not selling as much as people want,” the source told MPA. “Some stations have set a maximum purchase limit of 100,000 kyats’ worth, while others are selling even less. All stations have stopped selling diesel in containers, allowing only vehicles in line to refuel.”
Diesel shortages began in several towns across Mon State, including Mawlamyine, on February 14 after large quantities were purchased by the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF) and the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army (DKBA).
“Since gas stations no longer sell diesel in containers, some vehicle owners are filling up at stations and reselling the fuel on the black market at inflated prices,” the source added.
The official price of diesel at licensed gas stations today is 3,455 kyats per liter, while illegal vendors are charging between 4,500 and 5,000 kyats per liter.
“Those who need diesel for generators, agriculture, or business purposes have no choice but to buy from outside vendors,” the source said. “They purchase only what they need since stockpiling is not an option. Even the black-market suppliers have limited fuel available.”
The fuel shortage follows the Thai government’s suspension of electricity, internet, and fuel supplies to Myawaddy, Three Pagodas Pass, and Tachileik on the Thai-Myanmar border as part of a crackdown on online scam operations starting February 5.
In response, the BGF and DKBA have been purchasing large amounts of diesel from various townships in Karen and Mon States and transporting it to Myawaddy, Three Pagodas Pass, and Shwe Kokko.
Editor – ML
Translator – Alice Wai
