In western parts of Hpruso Township, Karenni State, the price of gasoline has risen to as high as 20,000 kyats per liter. Until the first week of April, gasoline was still being sold at around 18,000 kyats per liter, but starting from April 8, locals say the price has increased to 20,000 kyats per liter.

A small-scale fuel retailer explained that the price hike is due to increased purchasing costs and transportation expenses.

“Buyers already find it expensive. When we have to buy at a high price, if we resell at the same price, there’s no profit. That’s why we have to raise it to around 20,000 kyats. It’s not okay for either buyers or sellers,” the retailer said.

Due to the rising fuel prices, transportation costs have doubled. A grocery shop owner said that while they used to transport goods once a week, now they can only do so once every two or three weeks.

“Transportation costs have doubled. Before, it was about 300,000 kyats, but now it’s up to 700,000 kyats because of the fuel price increase,” she said.

As fuel prices continue to rise, commodity prices have also increased. Basic foods such as rice and vegetables have become unaffordable, and displaced people are facing serious difficulties as they can no longer afford fuel as well.

“Once prices go up, they rarely come down. Even if they do drop, it is only for a moment, then they rise back again. Fuel prices haven’t stayed down for even a month, and now it doubled again,” said a displaced person.

In addition, some villages are facing fuel shortages. To address fuel-saving measures, the Karenni State Interim Executive Council (IEC) announced a fuel import tax exemption from March 20 to June 20.