Farmers in Mon State say they are increasingly forced to buy fuel from the black market, as official fuel sales are restricted by vehicle type and fuel for agricultural work can only be purchased with recommendation letters from relevant authorities.
A resident of Paung Township said farmers must first obtain a recommendation letter from their village administrator and then receive approval from the township office before they are allowed to purchase fuel. Tractor operators must also present a recommendation letter from the township petroleum distribution committee.
Another Paung resident close to local farmers said the amount of fuel available through official channels is limited and requires long-distance travel, making the black market a more convenient option.
“After getting the recommendation letter, we still have to travel to the fuel station. If you live in a remote area, the distance is very far. People spend about 5,000 kyats just on transportation. Even after receiving the letter, they still cannot buy the amount they need,” the resident said.
He added that some fuel is secretly resold at higher prices, with nighttime prices rising from around 2,700 kyats per liter to more than 3,000 kyats.
Fuel business operators have been warned that selling fuel without authorization could lead to action from the petroleum regulatory authorities. Fuel stations have also been instructed to sell fuel in containers or barrels only if buyers present recommendation letters from township authorities.
Fuel stations in Mon State have been instructed to sell fuel at set limits: 5,000 kyats per motorcycle, 10,000 kyats per three-wheeled vehicle, 40,000 kyats per private car, and 100,000 kyats for passenger and cargo vehicles.
However, residents said fuel is still widely available on the black market at around 6,000 kyats per liter, particularly at night, where buyers can purchase fuel in gallons or barrels without restrictions.
“During the daytime they do not sell fuel in containers or barrels. But in the evening or near nightfall, it becomes possible through personal arrangements. Since our work depends on fuel, we have to search around to buy it,” another resident said.
Fuel station owners in Ye Township said fuel allocations for Mon State have been reduced by about 60 percent compared with the normal quota system as part of efforts to conserve fuel. Authorities are also inspecting stations during the day to ensure that fuel is sold at the designated price and within the set limits.
However, some large fuel stations that receive higher quotas are reportedly reselling fuel on the black market at higher prices, contributing to rising transportation costs in the region.
