CJ / Kantarawaddy Times
Residents in Loikaw (junta-controlled area) say they have been queuing at gas stations since August 15 due to an ongoing fuel shortage in the town.
As of today, August 19, residents report that long lines persist at some gas stations, and even after waiting, some are still unable to purchase fuel.
“It’s different from shop to shop in town. At some shops, motorbike owners can only fill up 5,000 to 10,000 kyats’ worth, and 30,000 to 50,000 kyats’ worth for cars,” said a young Loikaw resident.
Currently, fuel is priced at around 3,950 kyats per liter for 92-octane gasoline and 4,190 kyats per liter for 95-octane at official stations. Due to the difficulty of obtaining fuel at gas stations, residents say it is being resold on the black market for up to 5,000 kyats per liter.
Residents reported that, in addition to waiting in line at fuel stations, they are also having to search for stations with fuel available. Some fuel stations stated that due to low fuel availability, the purchase conditions are dependent on the opening hours of the station and the availability of fuel.
The current fuel shortage is attributed to a reduced fuel quota allocated to the city, according to gas station owners and their associates.
There are difficulties obtaining fuel, and motorcycle and car users must purchase only the prescribed amounts, search for accessible stations, and wait in queues. Residents said that if the fuel shortage continues, transportation costs and commodity prices may increase, which could impact residents.
