Fuel prices in Mon State have risen to the highest level in the country as fuel distribution remains unstable, with price differences of up to 300 kyats per liter compared to other regions, according to fuel consumers and petrol station owners.
Based on official prices set by DENKO petrol stations in Mawlamyine on December 15, Octane 92 was sold at 2,790 kyats per liter, while Octane 95 was priced at 2,835 kyats per liter. DENKO data shows that Mon State currently has the highest fuel prices among its nationwide branches.
In rural areas, prices are even higher. A local resident from Mudon said village petrol stations are selling Octane 92 at up to 3,150 kyats per liter and Octane 95 at around 2,980 kyats per liter, with sales limited due to supply shortages.
“If the price difference between Mawlamyine and villages is small, people don’t notice much. But for us, fuel is used for generators. Buying fuel in containers is also difficult because not every station allows it, and if they do, they charge an extra 5,000 kyats.” he said.
A fuel business owner from Paung said fuel shortages and high prices are caused by the current distribution system. He explained that Ya Zar Min Company, which won the fuel distribution tender in Mon State, prioritizes supplying its own stations, while other fuel trucks receive supplies only on a rotation basis.
“Under the policy, we must collect fuel from Ya Zar Min depots. As a result, other fuel companies face difficulties. Ya Zar Min stations in each township are supplied first, while the rest receive fuel only in turns. Some stations can sell fuel one day and must close the next.” he said.
Earlier in November, fuel shortages lasted for more than ten days in Mawlamyine and Mudon due to problems in the fuel distribution system linked to Katonpon village.
Following the shortages, the Mon State Chief Minister inspected the Puma International Port Terminal and instructed fuel sellers to sell fuel at fixed prices to resolve supply problems as quickly as possible.
However, fuel station owners said distribution issues have not been fully resolved, leading to the current record-high fuel prices.
Fuel for Mon State is transported through Katonpon port before being distributed across the state. Business owners said this system has contributed to higher prices and repeated fuel shortages.
According to sources close to the state administration, Myanmar Energy King Company and Ya Zar Min Industry Company won the tenders to import and distribute fuel across Mon State.
