Rice stocks running out in three Arakan towns

By Admin 09 Apr 2024

DMG Newsroom
9 April 2024, Ann

Ann, Taungup and Kyaukphyu towns in Arakan State are running out of rice due to the junta’s travel restrictions and strict controls on the transportation of commodities.

The regime has imposed tight restrictions on the transportation of commodities since March in Ann town.

Residents in Ann are having to queue at rice shops that are selling by quota — two pyi per person, with one pyi sold for 5,000 kyats.

“We don’t know what to do when rice stocks run out. The regime has made sure nothing can be brought into the town,” said an Ann resident.

Daily wage earners in Ann town are bearing the brunt of the ban.

“Well-off families can make preparations in advance. They can still eat porridge if they have rice. But the poor families can’t do so. They survive on daily wages, and they are in deep trouble now,” said a woman from Ann.

Rice shops in Ann town say their stocks will only last until the end of this month.

Kyaukphyu and Taungup towns are facing similar situations due to the junta’s travel restrictions. The regime has imposed travel restrictions in Kyaukphyu and Taungup townships since renewed fighting broke out in November.

One Kyaukphyu resident said: “Many people have been forced to eat porridge in our town. Residents will soon face starvation. We can’t also buy medicines. Things are quite difficult.”

Apart from the shortages of food, medicines and other vital items, prices for all manner of goods have soared.