Rice prices fall slightly as harvest begins in Arakan State

By Admin 29 Nov 2025

DMG Newsroom

29 November 2025, Kyauktaw

With the arrival of the rice harvest season, prices are falling slightly in some Arakan Army-controlled townships in Arakan State, according to local sources.

In early November, the price of a bag of high-grade Paw Hsan Hmwe rice was K110,000, low-grade rice K58,000 per pack, and Kauknyin (sticky rice) K140,000 per bag. Rice shop owners say prices have now dropped to K85,000 for Paw Hsan Hmwe, K55,000 for low-grade rice, and K90,000 for Kauknyin.

“Rice prices are falling. It’s the harvest season, so paddy prices have dropped by about K20,000. We are also selling rice that was previously cheaper,” said a rice shop owner in Kyauktaw Township.

The decrease in rice prices comes after a period of sharp price increases caused by ongoing battles over control of towns in Arakan State. At the height of the conflict, a bag of high-grade rice cost nearly K200,000. Other essential goods, however, remain expensive.

“The price of rice has fallen a little, so it is more affordable. Rice is our main food. Previously, high-grade rice cost more than K200,000 and low-grade rice over K100,000. We hope other food prices will follow,” said a 30-year-old resident of Mrauk-U Township.

Despite the slight drop in rice prices, other essential goods remain expensive in Arakan State. Currently, cooking oil costs around K25,000 per liter, onions K8,000 per viss, garlic K15,000 per viss, and eggs K800 each. Fuel is priced at K10,000 per liter, while chicken and beef sell for K70,000 and K40,000 per viss, respectively, leaving many households struggling to afford daily necessities. Indian dried chilies are also in short supply.

“Prices are not stable. They fluctuate weekly, which affects both buyers and sellers,” said a trader from Kyauktaw Township.

Arakan State residents have faced rising commodity prices for more than two years, severely impacting daily life. Displaced people, in particular, struggle with limited employment and basic food shortages.

A displaced woman from Ponnagyun Township said the slight drop in rice prices has eased some living costs. “We hope prices of rice, oil, and other essentials will continue to fall. This would give displaced people and the poor a chance to breathe,” she said.

Currently, the Arakan Army controls 14 of 17 townships in Arakan State and Paletwa Township in Chin State.