- Web Master
- October 26, 2024
"Even though the fuel is available in every gas station, the military
junta has asked not to sell to customers. The military officers have checked
the reading of available fuel stock in the gas stations and asked them to
maintain 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 of
92 RON gasoline in Sittwe township was 2,200 MMK per litre. But in the second
week of November (following the conflict), the price has gone up to 3,000 MMK
every litre.
It soon increased to 4,000 MMK and by the end of November the price reached
10,000 MMK per litre. It has even gone to 30,000 MMK in the first week of
December. By the second week, it had declined to 20,000 MMK.
"You can no longer purchase fuel from gas stations. I had to acquire
it from other sources. Some people on the roadside are selling the fuel covered
with bags,” he added.
A resident claimed that due to increase in fuel prices
the cost for using motor vehicles has gone up and the manual labourers have to
avoid moving for daily works. So their earnings have been restricted and thus
they are facing difficulties in their survival.
"I start work at 8 every morning, travelling half
an hour by motorcycle. I return home at 11 am for lunch and then return back to
work. Till I return from work, I need one litre of fuel every day. My daily
wage is only 20,000 MMK, which is not enough for my family. I depend on the
rice, which was bought earlier and collected from our home cultivation,” he
explained.
Due to the military council's order to close all gas stations in Sittwe
following the renewed conflicts, the residents are encountering problems in
their day to day travel plans. Some have opted for bicycles to move from one
place to another.