AA vows action against exploitative price hikes

By Admin 14 Nov 2023

DMG Newsroom
14 November 2023, Sittwe

An Arakan Army (AA) official has warned that action will be taken against merchants who increase the prices of basic commodities excessively during renewed hostilities in Arakan State.

“At a time when the fighting has resumed in Arakan State, we will take action against the sellers who inflate the prices of basic commodities for their own interests,” U Khaing Thukha, spokesperson for the AA, told DMG.

However, he did not elaborate on what action would be taken against those who raise their prices to levels deemed excessive.

The price of one viss of green chilli is currently K20,000 and one bag of rice ranges from K110,000 to K140,000 in the Arakan State capital Sittwe, according to one restaurant owner.

“The prices of commodities are skyrocketing. The prices of all basic foodstuffs are going up. The price of one sack of rice increased by about K30,000,” he added.

The price of one viss of cooking oil ranges from K15,000 to K20,000. As the prices of goods are rising, the grassroots especially are facing difficulties.

The prices of basic commodities including rice are soaring in Kyauktaw, Mrauk-U and Minbya townships, according to local residents.

“There are unscrupulous shopkeepers selling products at exorbitant prices,” said a local businessperson in Sittwe. “Due to the junta’s blockading of roads and waterways in Arakan State, there are many buyers, so there are sellers who raise the prices of basic commodities.  These need to be regulated by AA. It is good that AA will take action against those who sell such basic goods at high prices.”

Myanmar’s military regime on Monday closed security checkpoints and blockaded roads and waterways across Arakan State as clashes between the junta and the Arakan Army (AA) resumed in Rathedaung and Minbya townships, bringing vehicle and boat traffic to a standstill at several locations.