Fuel prices in Mon State have increased by between 650 and 750 kyats per liter from previous rates under the latest reference prices.
According to the new reference prices issued on September 25, 92-octane gasoline in Mon State rose to 4,705 kyats per liter, while 95-octane gasoline increased to 4,860 kyats per liter.
Under the previous reference prices set on September 16, 92-octane gasoline was 4,055 kyats per liter and 95-octane gasoline was 4,190 kyats per liter. The latest rates represent increases of 650 kyats and 670 kyats per liter, respectively.
Regular diesel also rose to 5,445 kyats per liter, while premium diesel increased to 6,020 kyats per liter. Compared with the previous reference prices, the rates increased by 655 kyats and 750 kyats per liter, respectively.
Under the latest reference prices, gasoline and diesel remain more expensive in Mon State than in some other regions and states, including Yangon, Hpa-An, Bago and Dawei.
According to the Mon State Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Association, fuel importers supplying Mon State do not receive foreign currency allocations in the same way as importers operating through Yangon and Thilawa ports. As a result, they have to use their own U.S. dollars to import fuel.
The association said another factor behind higher fuel prices in Mon State is that importers cannot buy U.S. dollars at the official rate and instead have to purchase foreign currency at rates close to those on the external market.
U Zeya Oo, the Mon State military junta administration’s Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry and Transport, told the state parliament that authorities were exploring ways to reduce fuel prices in the state.
However, he also said there were currently no plans to allow fuel for Mon State to be purchased through Yangon’s Thilawa Port, a measure linked to concerns over the state’s higher fuel prices.
Fuel for Mon State is currently distributed through the Puma International Port Terminal in Katonpaw Village, Mudon Township. Myanmar Energy King Co. and Ya Zar Min Industry Co. have been granted permission to operate the distribution.
