In the eastern part of Demoso Township, Karenni State, people are facing hardships as the prices of basic household and consumer goods have increased to nearly half of their original prices.

Locals say that due to recent offensives and troop movements by the military junta, roads connecting the townships can no longer be used, and thus, goods cannot be transported into the area.

“Currently, it’s not safe to travel to the western side (Demoso) anymore. Only those who dare to travel still go. For us, we just buy from whoever manages to bring goods here. If we buy something for 1,000 kyat, we have to resell it for 1,500 kyat. To clientele customers, we sell it back for around 1,200. The profit is only around 500 to 1,000 kyat,” said a woman retailer from eastern Demoso.

Currently, a viss of cooking oil costs 17,000 kyat, a sack of salt costs 75,000 kyat, and a viss of dried fish costs up to 35,000 kyat. Other food items and consumer goods have also increased by nearly a half, locals said.

Because of the rising prices, local residents and internally displaced people with no income are struggling and are having to take on debt to afford essential items.

Locals add that travel on the main road to eastern Demoso is no longer safe due to frequent clashes between military junta troops, who began their offensive column in August, and revolutionary forces.