Kantarawaddy Times
In Loikaw, the capital city of Karenni State under the control of the military junta, bus operators running the long-distance Loikaw–Yangon route have increased ticket prices by about 20,000 kyats per seat, according to local residents.
Previously, a ticket for the Loikaw–Yangon trip cost around 60,000 kyats, but starting from March 22, the price has risen to 80,000 kyats, a traveler said.
“I only found out yesterday that the prices have gone up again. If one trip costs over 100,000 kyats in total, it’s really worrying,” said one passenger.
Buses from Loikaw to Yangon depart at around 7:30 a.m., while buses from Yangon to Loikaw leave at 4:00 p.m. Passengers are required to present identification documents to travel. Express bus lines such as Shwe Kindari, Shwe Kayah, and Thein Than Kaday operate daily services between the two cities.
Currently, in Loikaw, the price of 92-octane gasoline has reached about 5,000 kyats per liter, which is an increase of around 1,500 kyats compared to last week, locals said.
Rising fuel prices are not only directly impacting transportation costs but are also expected to affect the prices of basic food items, raising concerns among low-income communities about increasing hardship.
“When fuel prices go up, everything else follows. For those who were already struggling, it’s only going to get worse,” said a resident of Loikaw.
Due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, Myanmar is also facing fuel supply difficulties. As a result, many townships are experiencing fuel shortages and sharp increases in fuel prices.
