Supplies dwindling in Arakan State

By Admin 31 May 2024

DMG Newsroom
31 May 2024, Sittwe

Stocks are dwindling in Arakan State due to the junta’s blockading of roads and waterways, with residents concerned about malnourishment and possible starvation.

The regime has blocked travel along roads and waterways in the state since the latest fighting broke out in Arakan State on November 13 of last year.

Residents have been forced to spend large sums to bring food and other vital supplies into Arakan State via Paletwa Township in neighbouring Chin State.

The regime has suspended the import of goods into Paletwa Township from India since the second week of April, exacerbating the supply problems facing the region.

“Prices have soared, and we can’t buy many things now,” said a resident of Kyauktaw town.

Consumer goods, food and medicines are all dwindling in Arakan State, according to residents.

“Food prices and fuel prices have soared over the past two days. We will be in trouble if it goes on like this,” said a merchant from Mrauk-U Township.

Onion prices have hit 15,000 kyats per viss and garlic prices have hit 40,000 kyats per viss, while palm oil for cooking is selling for 20,000 kyats per viss. An egg sells for 1,000 kyats.

“Foodstuffs are running out and their prices have soared. And we have no income. We are very concerned that prices will skyrocket,” said displaced woman Daw Kyi Htay from Ponnagyun Township.

Tens of thousands of people have been displaced in Arakan State and Paletwa Township since the latest fighting broke out in November, and many need emergency relief supplies.

The ranks of the unemployed are also increasing in Arakan State, and as the banking system has suffered significant functional paralysis since hostilities began in November, financial transactions have become increasingly burdensome for the vast majority of Arakan State residents.