Commodity prices surge in Arakan State after Mizoram-Paletwa Road closure

By Admin 15 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

15 November 2025, Kyauktaw

Prices of basic food items in Arakan State have risen following the temporary closure of the border trade route between Mizoram, India, and Paletwa, Chin State, according to shop owners and local residents.

The Mizoram-Paletwa trade route, the main channel for goods entering Arakan State, was temporarily shut by authorities on both sides for one week from November 12 to 20 due to a diarrhea outbreak.

As a result of the blockade, the price of one litre of cooking oil has increased from K8,000 to K11,000; one viss of onion from K7,000 to K10,000; one viss of potato from K7,000 to K8,000; an egg imported from India from K700 to K800; a pack of Sunday coffee from K20,000 to K25,000; and a pack of Premier coffee mix from K19,000 to K21,000.

The price hikes during the three-day blockade have sparked concerns among locals that the disruption may last longer.

"The prices of goods have started to rise since the road was closed. The cost of major items has gone up. Prices of all the goods coming from India are slowly increasing," said a shop owner in Kyauktaw.

Locals said the halt in the arrival of goods has pushed up prices of products still available in the market.

More than 100 traders who returned from India after purchasing goods are stuck at the border due to the road closure, and they fear losses as some perishable items could spoil during the delay.

"We have people who went to India to sell goods and are stuck at the border. There is also a shortage of goods on this side. The road has been closed for a week, but we don't know how long it will last. If we return only when the road opens, we may face losses due to rotting perishables," said another shop owner.

Almost all foodstuffs and consumer goods, including medicines, are imported into Arakan State via India and Bangladesh.

The Mizoram-Paletwa route is a vital economic lifeline for residents of Arakan State.

The road closure has created shortages of certain goods in the region, raising fears that prices will continue to surge.

"Now that the road is closed, prices have gradually risen. The prices of oil and onions changed just from yesterday to today. We can't even keep up with the usual prices. We just pray the closure doesn't last long," said a woman in Arakan State.

For more than two years, Arakan State has faced soaring commodity prices due to trade route disruptions and ongoing fighting.

Rising costs have pushed local manual labourers and displaced people into worsening food insecurity.