The price of a 20-litre bottle of drinking water in Mawlamyine Township, Mon State, has increased to 2,000 kyats due to ongoing fuel shortages, according to local water purification businesses.
Previously, a 20-litre bottle was sold at 1,500 kyats. The new price took effect on April 1, driven by rising fuel costs and supply difficulties.
Local water business owners said the increase was agreed upon collectively, citing higher fuel prices, rising costs of production materials, and increased labour expenses.
There are around 20 water delivery businesses in Mawlamyine that supply drinking water to both urban areas and nearby villages.
Fuel shortages in Mon State have persisted for about a month, with residents still required to wait in long queues to purchase fuel.
The ongoing fuel crisis has disrupted business operations, while transportation costs and commodity prices continue to rise.
Fuel prices remain high, with official fuel stations selling at between 3,765 and 6,420 kyats per litre, while prices on the black market are significantly higher.
