Charities in Arakan State halt operations due to fuel shortages

By Admin 02 Dec 2023

DMG Newsroom
2 December 2023, Sittwe

Widespread fuel shortages in Arakan State caused by the junta’s blockading of land and water routes are forcing local charities to stop operating temporarily.

The Ponnagyun Township Development Youth Organization (PDYO), a local charity in Ponnagyun, has halted operations since December 1, according to a source close to the group.

“We have suspended free ambulance, funeral services and other humanitarian works since December 1 due to shortages of fuel. If patients provide fuel, we will provide ambulance services,” the source added.

The Phyusin Yin Khwin Foundation, a local charity in Ponnagyun, has also stopped operations due to shortages of fuel since December 1.

Widespread fuel shortages have been reported across Arakan State due to the junta’s road and waterway blockades, forcing many social organisations to halt operations.

“We can’t buy fuel in our town and will likely halt providing free ambulance, funeral services and other humanitarian works when we run out of fuel,” said U Nyi Pu, chairman of Phyusin Myitta, a local charity in Kyauktaw.

The Garuna Hline Blood Donors Association, based in Mrauk-U Township, only has one barrel of fuel, and will soon be forced to suspend operations.

“The fact that charities are halting operations due to fuel shortages can be quite worrisome. If charities can’t provide ambulance services during this time, the loss of life will only increase,” said a local man in Ponnagyun.

He urged businessmen and filling station owners to cooperate and help charities to continue operating.

The regime has blockaded roads and waterways in Arakan State since renewed fighting broke out on November 13 between the military and Arakan Army. Many townships are facing shortages of food supplies, medicines and fuel as a result.