Fuel is in short supply at filling stations in the Arakan State townships of Taungup, Kyaukphyu and Sittwe, according to filling station operators.

The shortages are due to high demand as people travel more during the dry season, and the quotas that filling stations are allocated cannot meet the demand, said a filling station owner from Kyaukphyu.

“Roadside stalls sell faster than licensed filling stations. There are many travellers as it is the dry season. The demand has surged. So, the quota we are allocated can’t meet the demand,” he said.

Filling stations in Arakan State have to fill their quota of fuel from the Thilawa Port in Yangon Region. Sometimes, shipments arrive late or not at all due to delays caused by security checks along the way.

A filling station owner from Taungup said: “We take out our quota every three days. But sometimes, we can’t make it in time because of checks along the way. When we can’t make it in time, our quota is cancelled. This is one of the reasons stocks have run out.”

Sittwe residents, meanwhile, are having to vie for fuel as shortages play out at the pumps in the Arakan State capital.

A filling station manager from Sittwe said: “92 Ron ran out at 1 p.m. [on Monday]. Fresh stocks arrived yesterday, and they ran out today.”

Residents say they are concerned about possible price hikes due to fuel shortages.

“The price is 2,500 kyats per litre now. Previously, 5,000 kyats of fuel lasted for a whole week. However, it does not last for even three days now,” said Maung Ngapyi Che from Sittwe.

Fuel prices at licensed filling stations in Sittwe on Monday were 2,365 kyats per litre for 95 Ron Octane; 2,270 kyats for 92 Ron Octane; 2,305 kyats for premium diesel; and 2,225 kyats for diesel. At roadside stalls, the price stood at around 2,500 kyats per litre for 92 Ron Octane.