Unlicensed vehicle users in Mon State are increasingly relying on the black market to purchase petrol, paying more than 15,000 kyat per litre, according to local residents.
Following restrictions imposed by the military junta requiring vehicle registration documents and permits for petrol purchases, access to fuel has become more difficult for unlicensed vehicles.
Junta inspection teams are conducting daily checks at major petrol stations and arresting unlicensed vehicle users, further limiting their ability to buy petrol.
A Mawlamyine resident said pro-junta militia groups have been stationed at most petrol stations, where they check permits, vehicle licenses, and compliance with the odd-even system among those waiting in line.
Due to the inability to queue at petrol stations and the risk of arrest, unlicensed vehicle users have turned to the black market, contributing to its expansion.
On the black market, the price of 95 petrol has risen to over 15,000 kyat per litre, nearly three times higher than official rates.
At official petrol stations, 95 petrol is priced at 3,995 kyat per litre, while 92 petrol is sold at 3,765 kyat per litre.
“They treat civilians like criminals. They created the situation of unlicensed vehicles, and now they are preventing those same people from buying petrol. For those who rely on a single motorbike for their livelihood, it is very difficult. Petrol is expensive, and it is not safe to travel,” said a resident from Thanbyuzayat.
The resident added that in recent days, around 20 motorbikes and 10 cars waiting in line for petrol were arrested for violating the odd-even system. On-the-spot fines of 20,000 kyat per motorbike and 50,000 kyat per car were imposed.
