Border News Agency
Mrauk-U, July 6.
Traders and local residents say that prices of fuel and essential food items have been rising in Arakan, as parts of the transportation routes used to deliver goods into the area have been damaged.
Traders say that those goods and medicines are being imported and transported through neighboring countries and regions. However, due to damaged sections along those routes, transportation costs have increased, leading to higher prices.
A trader said, ‘’It’s because the roads are damaged that’s why prices have gone up. And the water route from the Indian side is still not operating as usual.’’
Previously, a liter of 92 octane fuel cost only 9,000 kyats, but it has now risen to around 13,000 kyats. Similarly, a viss of onions used to cost just 10,000 kyats, but it’s currently reaching around 20,000 kyats.
A viss of garlic, which previously cost just over 20,000 kyats, has now risen to over 40,000 kyats. Cooking oil, which was around 10,000 kyats per liter, has increased to about 12,000 kyats.
In addition, a large pack of instant coffee (containing 30 small sachets), which used to be priced around 20,000 kyats, is now selling for over 25,000 kyats.
The trade routes used to transport goods have been damaged due to heavy rainfall and strong water currents. However, responsible authorities have been seen carrying out repair works.
Traders say that if those damaged roads are fully restored, the prices of goods could come down again.
“This time, the price increase is quite noticeable. It’s not like the gradual hikes we used to see before,” said a woman from Minbra Township.
In addition, the prices of locally grown vegetables in the Arakan region have also seen a slight increase.
Green chili, which previously cost nearly 10,000 kyats per viss, is now around 50,000 kyats, while eggplant, which used to be about 5,000 kyats per viss, is now priced around 10,000 kyats.
“When I go to the market, I can really feel the difference. We’re spending a lot more, but earning less,” said a woman from Myaybon Township.
People in the Arakan region are struggling to obtain basic necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel, relying on difficult and limited routes through border areas like Bangladesh and India.
As a result, due to the lack of a systematic trade route, the prices of goods and medicines are significantly higher compared to other regions.
The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government has stated that it is working to improve trade routes to ensure better access to essential supplies like fuel and medicine.
