In Karenni State, the price of iodized salt—a basic household commodity—has reportedly surged to around 2,000 MMK per packet.

A displaced woman living in the western part of Dee Maw Hso explained that the price hike is largely due to transportation difficulties.

“In the past, we could buy three packets for just 1,000 kyat. Currently, amid rising overall commodity prices, a packet of salt costs between 1,500 and 2,000 kyat. Prices vary from shop to shop, but I think it’s mainly because of the transportation issues,” she said.

In previous years, a full sack of salt was priced at around 28,000 MMK. However, a shop owner from eastern Dee Maw Hso noted that it now costs as much as 65,000 MMK per sack.

“It used to be about 28,000 kyat per sack. We sold it at 600 kyat per packet. But now, due to road conditions, a sack costs around 60,000 to 65,000 kyat. We’re selling each packets at around 1,200 kyat each,” the shop owner explained.

The increase in commodity prices is attributed to the closure of key trade routes into Karenni State. In eastern Dee Maw Hso, gasoline prices have reached around 8,000 MMK per liter, while in the western part of the town, residents are paying as much as 10,000 MMK per liter.

Additionally, fuel shortages have forced some gas stations to temporarily shut down, causing serious disruptions for farmers and others who rely on fuel for their agricultural activities.