Airlines in Myanmar have announced they will reduce excess baggage allowances per passenger amid concerns over a possible fuel shortage tied to the Middle East conflict.

Myanmar National Airlines (MNA) began limiting excess baggage to a maximum of 10 kilograms per passenger on March 20, while Myanmar Airways International (MAI) introduced a similar restriction on March 19.

Both airlines stated in their announcements that the restrictions were due to concerns over a possible fuel shortage, and that staff allowances for carrying excess baggage would be suspended until further notice. They also said the measures were necessary for flight safety and apologized for any inconvenience caused.

“We cannot complain, as this is a global crisis that no one can avoid. We apologize for being unable to provide the promised baggage allowances to our customers,” a woman providing baggage carriage services between Myanmar and Singapore wrote on social media.

The restrictions apply only to international flights, not domestic services. Meanwhile, airlines in Myanmar have temporarily suspended some domestic flights and halted ticket sales.

Ticket prices for international flights are also continuing to rise, and according to ticket sellers, there is no sign of the situation changing in the near future.

The world is facing an energy crisis triggered by the Iran war, and Myanmar is also experiencing a gradual fuel shortage.