Petrol station owners and staff in Mawlamyine, Mon State, have been arrested by military junta forces for allegedly selling petrol illegally, according to sources close to the authorities.

At the “Min Thant (1)” petrol station on the Mawlamyine–Mudon road in Hparauk village, officials launched an inspection after reports that fuel was being stored without regular sales. During the inspection, petrol was found being sold using containers outside official procedures.

The station owner, general manager, and manager were arrested and charged under Section 39(a) of the Petroleum and Petroleum Products Law at the Mupun area police station.

In a separate case, petrol from the “Mi Ba Metta” station in Nyaungpinseik ward was seized at the Sampyaegu Bridge security checkpoint in Kyaikmaraw Township while being transported toward Karen State. The station owner and manager were also arrested and charged.

“Those involved in selling and transporting the petrol have been charged, and the vehicles and fuel were confiscated,” a source said.

The owner and warehouse supervisor of the “Swan Myanmar” petrol station on University Circular Road in Zaygyo ward were also arrested for selling petrol using containers, according to sources.

Authorities have filed cases against multiple petrol station owners and staff under petroleum laws for illegal sales and violations of official directives.

In addition, the owners of Raja Min and KS petrol stations are reportedly under investigation for allegedly transporting petrol illegally to Karen State, according to sources close to the military junta.

“Due to the current petrol shortage, some are transporting fuel illegally to areas where prices are higher than the reference rate,” a source said.

Residents said such illegal transport and distribution, including by licensed companies, has contributed to petrol shortages in Mon State, forcing people to wait for long periods to buy fuel.