Fuel prices in Myanmar continue to surge, with official retail rates for standard gasoline approaching 4,000 kyats ($1.27) per liter in the military-controlled capital of Naypyitaw—and informal roadside prices jumping nearly double that amount as junta-mandated import restrictions take effect.

According to official reference prices published Sept. 13 by the junta’s Petroleum Product Regulatory Department (PPRD), 92 Octane reached 3,930 kyats per liter in Naypyitaw, while 95 Octane hit 4,055 kyats. Regular diesel rose to 4,255 kyats ($1.37) and premium diesel reached 5,155 kyats ($1.66).

The latest increases reflect a sharp rise since late August, with 92 Octane climbing more than 240 kyats per liter in just over two weeks. Similar spikes have hit major economic hubs, including Yangon and Mandalay. 

On the black market, roadside vendors in Naypyitaw are selling one-liter bottles for as much as 7,000 kyats ($2.26).

The price hikes are straining daily operations and public services nationwide. 

A non-CDM civil servant in the Bago Region said office generator fuel costs jumped from 500,000 kyats to 700,000 kyats ($226) during rolling power outages, forcing staff to slash field travel and rely on local villagers for transportation.

Myanmar is heavily reliant on foreign energy, importing roughly 95% of its fuel supply, according to a report by the Institute for Strategy and Policy (ISP Myanmar). 

Despite chronic foreign currency shortages and frequent fuel panics since the 2021 coup, junta chief Min Aung Hlaing ordered a 30% reduction in foreign fuel imports beginning this month, claiming domestic refineries will offset the shortfall.