The military council has ordered the closure of major gasstations in Sittwe township of  Rakhine State, which causes serioushardships to the local population in getting fuel.

"Even though the fuel is available in every gas station, the militaryjunta has asked not to sell to customers. The military officers have checkedthe reading of  available fuel stock in the gas stations and asked them tomaintain it till further notice," said a  Sittwe resident recounting his personal experience of hardship to get the fuel.

Prior to the resurgence of the conflict, the price of92 RON gasoline in Sittwe township was 2,200 MMK per litre. But in the secondweek of November (following the conflict), the price has gone up to 3,000 MMKevery litre.

It soon increased to 4,000 MMK and by the end of November the price reached10,000 MMK per litre. It has even gone to 30,000 MMK in the first week ofDecember. By the second week, it had declined to  20,000 MMK.

"You can no longer purchase fuel from  gas stations. I had to acquireit from other sources. Some people on the roadside are selling the fuel coveredwith bags,” he added.

A resident claimed that due to increase in fuel pricesthe cost for using motor vehicles has gone up and the manual labourers have toavoid moving for daily works. So their earnings have been restricted and thusthey are facing difficulties in their survival.

"I start work at 8 every morning, travelling halfan hour by motorcycle. I return home at 11 am for lunch and then return back towork. Till I return from work, I need one litre of fuel every day. My dailywage is only 20,000 MMK, which is not enough for my family. I depend on therice, which was bought earlier and collected from our home cultivation,” heexplained.

Due to the military council's order to close all gas stations in Sittwefollowing the renewed conflicts, the residents are encountering problems intheir day to day travel plans. Some have opted for bicycles to move from oneplace to another.