The price of a barrel of fuel has skyrocketed to 3 million MMK in Banmauk Township, Sagaing Region, locals reported.

The fighting and blockades by armed resistance forces have restricted the flow of goods in the region, driving prices sharply upward. Around 50 trucks carrying fuel and goods are currently stranded near Metaw and Pantaw villages in Banmauk Township, unable to move beyond Kyunkone and Nyaungchayhtauk villages despite attempts to continue their journey.

“The closest fuel trucks can get is Kyunkone and Nyaungchayhtauk villages, where a barrel costs about 1.2 million MMK. But once you have to carry it in smaller amounts through jungle routes to Banmauk town, the price shoots up,” a Banmauk local said.

Due to road closures, the price of both premium diesel and gasoline at Shwetaw Port has risen by 3 million MMK per barrel.

Not only have fuel prices surged, but basic food prices have also soared to unprecedented levels, with three eggs costing 10,000 MMK, a viss (about 1.6 kg) of onions at 40,000 MMK, a viss of garlic at 70,000 MMK, and a viss of salt at 20,000 MMK.

In the western part of Banmauk Township, the resistance-run Banmauk People's Administration has imposed an internet blackout and restricted the flow of goods, creating hardships for locals and migrant workers.

In Banmauk Township, fighting has been ongoing since September between a coalition of the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the PDF, and the Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA), which maintains close ties with the junta.