After the resurgence of fighting in Rakhine State, the price of fuel per liter has risen to more than MMK 15,000. Therefore, a fuel business owner in Mrauk U Town was selling at a lower price than the current market price on December 1st.
“There is a shortage of fuel. So, we are selling it to make it affordable for the people. We have also heard that people who drive three-wheelers and motorbikes have stopped running for a long time because they cannot afford fuel. That is why we are selling it at such a low price,” said the owner, who sells fuel at a low price.
He continues to explain that he has been able to sell the fuel to more than 200 local people by selling it at such a low price to make it convenient for the grassroots.
“It’s sold around the Shaitthaung Temple. People can buy it at the rate of two liters per person. The price of fuel is going up, so everyone rushes to buy it at a cheap price. There are many people who can’t get it,” said a Mrauk U resident.
Fuel was sold to the people of Mrauk U at MMK 7,500 per liter. Currently, up to 500 liters have been sold, and they can only be sold in Mrauk U, according to the fuel stock.
“The price of fuel has been rising for about 15 days. I can’t buy it because it costs more than ten thousand per liter. I also stopped driving three-wheelers. Today, a fuel station sold a liter at a discount of MMK 7,500. I jostled, bought it, and drove my three-wheelers again. The price has gone up, but now it’s not as expensive as the current price, so I’m ok with that,” said a three-wheeler driver.
Residents say that the townships in Rakhine State are facing fuel shortages, and the grassroots are facing difficulties in their livelihoods – because the military junta has blocked the routes.