Arakan News Agency | Exclusive
Traders and residents in Arakan state, western Myanmar, say that prices of fuel and essential food items have been rising as transportation routes used to deliver goods into the area have been damaged.
Traders say that goods and medicines are being imported and transported through neighboring countries and regions. However, due to damaged sections due to heavy rainfall and strong water currents, transportation costs have increased, leading to higher prices.
A trader told Arakan News Agency said that prices are rising because the roads are damaged and do not operate as usual wo they can’t import regularly from the Bengladesh side and must import through irregular routes.
Traders say that if those damaged roads are fully restored, the prices of goods could come down again. Locals say that authorities have been seen carrying out repair work.
Basic commodities in Arakan state have seen significant price increases. The price of a 50-kilogram bag of rice rose from 65,000 Myanmar kyats (US$14) to 85,000 kyats ($19), and the price of a bag of flour rose from 5,500 kyats ($1.20) to 7,000 kyats ($1.50).
Sources also confirmed that the price of gasoline rose from 9,000 kyats ($2) to 11,500 kyats ($2.5), and the price of cooking oil rose from 8,000 kyats (US$1.70) to 12,000 kyats (US$2.60). The prices of eggs and meat have increased by 100%, while locally grown vegetables have also seen a slight increase.
“This time, the price increase is quite noticeable. It’s not like the gradual hikes we used to see before,” said a woman from Maungdaw Township.
“When I go to the market, I can really feel the difference. We’re spending a lot more, but earning less,” said a woman from Buthidaung Township.
People in the Arakan region are struggling to obtain necessities such as food, medicine, and fuel, relying on difficult and limited routes through border areas like Bangladesh and India. As a result, due to the lack of a systematic trade route, the prices of goods and medicines are significantly higher compared to other regions.
Arakan state has been experiencing heavy rains and flooding since May 26, submerging Rohingya homes and lands in the city of Maungdaw. Several cities also experienced severe flooding in June due to heavy rains. Flooding in the past few days has killed two women and left several roads submerged.
