Textbook prices surge ahead of school season in Arakan State

By Admin 07 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 May 2026, Kyauktaw

As the school season approaches, textbook prices in townships controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State have risen sharply, creating additional challenges for children from displaced families and low-income households.

According to booksellers, a set of kindergarten (KG) textbooks is currently priced at around K25,000. Prices for Grades 1 to 3 are approximately K35,000 per set, while Grades 4 to 8 cost about K40,000. Textbooks for Grades 7 to 9 are being sold for K50,000, and high school sets for Grades 10 to 12 have reached as high as K70,000.

“These prices apply only to our remaining stock. Grade 10 textbooks are already out of stock. I checked wholesale prices for restocking, but they are even higher than my current retail prices, so I have not placed new orders yet,” a bookstore owner in Kyauktaw said.

Booksellers noted that prices have increased significantly compared to previous years, while shortages are also becoming more severe.

High school textbooks, in particular, are difficult to obtain, and retailers face challenges restocking due to high procurement costs.

While some school supplies can be imported from India, textbooks must be sourced from mainland Myanmar. However, the suspension of trade along the Saw Road has made transportation and procurement extremely difficult.

The rising cost of textbooks, combined with daily economic hardships, has left displaced families and low-income households deeply concerned about their children’s education.

“Even if book fees were around K50,000, I wouldn’t be able to afford them. I don’t even know how much school fees will be. At this rate, I’m worried my children won’t be able to continue their education,” a woman from an IDP camp in Kyauktaw Township said.

Parents also reported that prices of notebooks, pens, pencils, and other school supplies are increasing, adding further financial strain. Some families are seeking second-hand textbooks, but even used books are now being sold at nearly the same price as new ones.

“Prices are likely to keep rising. We try to buy books early to save money, but many families can’t afford them. Even second-hand books are expensive now,” a parent from Mrauk-U said.

Although some local organizations provide free education for displaced children, ensuring access for all remains a major challenge.

Parents also expressed concern over safety, as ongoing airstrikes across Arakan State continue to disrupt education and threaten students’ security.