Filling stations shut down across Arakan State

By Admin 06 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
6 December 2023, Sittwe

Licensed filling stations in 15 townships across Arakan State have run out of fuel stocks and have shut down due to the junta’s travel restrictions.

It has been around 10 days since filling stations shut down across Arakan State except in Thandwe and Gwa towns, said residents.

A petrol station owner in Sittwe said: “It has been weeks since roads were blocked, so stocks have run out. Some filling stations might have some remaining stock, but they may not want to sell it because they may need it for emergency use.”

The regime has since November 13 blockaded the Sittwe-Yangon road and Kyaukphyu-Yangon road linking Yangon with both northern and southern Arakan State. It has also blockaded roads and waterways between towns in Arakan State.

Residents said some filling stations have deliberately stopped selling to manipulate prices for their own profits.

“Licensed filling stations said they have run out of stock. However, unlicensed stations have stocks. This means, licensed stations are selling to unlicensed stations. If they sell to end users, they can only sell it at the set price [set by the regime]. So, they pretend they have run out of stock while selling fuel to unlicensed stations,” said a Taungup resident.

Currently, 92 Ron octane is selling for 15,000 per litre in Sittwe, Ann and Taungup townships, and 18,000 kyats in other townships.

Fuel price hikes are taking a toll on people from various walks of life.

“The rank-and-file staff members from government departments can’t afford fuel to go to the office. If they don’t go to office, they risk getting arrested for revolting against the government. If they buy fuel to go to the office, they have nothing left to eat,” said an education staff member from Kyaukphyu Township.

Myanmar mainly relies on fuel imports to meet domestic demand. Myanmar’s economy has been in free fall since the coup due to sanctions and withdrawal of investments.