Fuel stocks likely to run low at Arakan State filling stations during Thingyan

By Admin 09 Apr 2023

DMG Newsroom
9 April 2023, Sittwe

There is already a shortage of fuel at filling stations in some Arakan State townships, and people may find it difficult to use fuel during this year’s Thingyan holiday.

Fuel is in short supply at filling stations in the townships of Sittwe and Thandwe, according to filling station operators. Although some filling stations have ordered fuel from mainland Myanmar, it is unlikely to reach its destinations ahead of Thingyan due to delays along the road route, filling station owners said.

“Fuel is likely to be in short supply tomorrow. We have ordered fuel from mainland Myanmar, but it is unlikely to reach here ahead of Thingyan. If there is a shortage of fuel, the filling stations will be closed during Thingyan,” said an official at a filling station in Sittwe.

Filling station owners say there will be many visitor arrivals in the beach town of Ngapali during Thingyan, and there may be a shortage of fuel due to the increased holiday fuel consumption.

“There are so many passenger buses coming to Ngapali Beach that there will be a fuel shortage during Thingyan. As fuel is bought on a quota basis and many Thingyan revellers [are expected], there may not be enough fuel,” said a filling station owner in Thandwe, the township that hosts Ngapali Beach.

Some filling stations will sell fuel full time during Thingyan, but most will only sell it for half a day, and residents are worried that prices will rise at roadside petrol stalls.

“Fuel was in short supply during the previous Thingyan and one litre of fuel was sold at K3,500. I fear that will happen this year as well. It is not profitable for us due to the sharp rise in fuel prices,” said U Thein Aung, a three-wheeled motorbike driver in Sittwe. 

Fuel prices at licensed filling stations in Sittwe on Sunday were K2,465 per litre for 95 Ron Octane; K2,395 for 92 Ron Octane; K2,375 for premium diesel; and K2,225 for diesel. At roadside stalls, the price stood at around K2,700 per litre for 92 Ron Octane.

U Tun Win Naing from Sittwe said that the relevant officials should take measures to prevent fuel price increases and shortages during Thingyan.

“If the licensed filling stations run out of fuel, we have to buy it from unlicensed filling stations. One litre of fuel is likely to reach K4,000 during Thingyan. The government needs to talk to filling station owners about the rising fuel prices,” he added. 

DMG attempted to contact U Hla Thein, spokesperson for the Arakan State military council, and officials from the Arakan State Petroleum Trade Association regarding the matter, but they could not be reached.