Fuel prices in Kyainseikgyi Township have risen to more than 10,000 kyats per liter as fuel shipments into the area are being restricted, causing shortages, according to local residents.
Residents said inspections and restrictions on fuel entering the township have led to a supply shortage across the area.
Previously, fuel quotas from Katonepaw Port were informally transported to Kyainseikgyi. However, fuel supplies from Mon State have become difficult to obtain, and the Myanmar Military Junta has imposed restrictions to prevent fuel from reaching revolutionary forces. As a result, fuel shortages have emerged in the township.
At least six fuel stations around Kyainseikgyi town have closed due to a lack of supply. Remaining stations are selling gasoline at prices ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 kyats per liter, according to a woman from the Wethali area.
“Almost all six major fuel stations in our area have run out of fuel. Sometimes a small amount is sold if it can be bought from Mudon. The gasoline shortage is the worst. Since everyone relies on fuel, about half of the vehicles that usually run between Kyainseikgyi and Payathonzu have stopped operating. Some vehicles try to travel through the Taungkalay area, but that road is not commonly used, so it may be more difficult,” she said.
A driver said fuel transport into Kyainseikgyi has been restricted at the Abit checkpoint since the first week of February. Authorities have also been arresting fuel transport vehicles traveling through Sampalgu Bridge toward the Mae Ta Roe area.
“They do not allow fuel to pass toward the Mon side at the Abit checkpoint. Since this is Kayin State, fuel should normally come from Yangon. But they worry that fuel might reach revolutionary forces. Even large fuel stations are not receiving supplies. Previously, they received quotas from Mudon, but recently fuel ships have not arrived, so they are no longer distributing fuel,” the driver said.
Similarly, residents in Kawkareik Township said fuel prices have also increased in their area. The township previously relied on fuel imported through Myawaddy, but after fuel purchases from Thailand were restricted, supplies are now transported through Mawlamyine.
“Prices are very high. Vehicles traveling to Mawlamyine bring fuel back and sell it here. Many large fuel stations in Kaw Bein have closed. Motorcycle and three-wheeled vehicle traffic has also decreased. Prices of basic goods have increased. Fish and shrimp from the sea have become more expensive, and even tofu has increased by about 500 kyats,” a Kawkareik resident said.
Due to fuel shortages and rising prices, transportation fares between Mawlamyine and Kyainseikgyi have increased to about 120,000 kyats, or around 1,000 Thai baht, according to a driver.
Residents said restrictions on fuel transportation and sales have forced people to rely on the black market, creating greater difficulties for ordinary residents, particularly low-income communities.
