CNI News
1 May 2024
There are shortages of fuel and basic foodstuffs in Putao, Kachin State and the prices are increasing exponentially as well, according to locals.
The road between Myitkyina and Putao has been closed for about two months because of battles that broke out between the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and the Myanmar Tatmadaw on that road. So, commodities didn't enter Putao anymore, said locals.
At present, in Putao, a gallon of gasoline is paid about 100,000 kyats; a barrel of diesel, 22 lakh kyats and a bag of rice, 2.5 lakh kyats. Moreover, green groceries, kitchen grocery crops and dried noodle have been out of stock reportedly.
With higher price of diesel, because it was difficult to buy it, it was not convenient for agricultural industry, U Bran Shaung, a resident of Putao, told CNI News.
While the fuel is being put in a tank
" Gasoline is available in some places, I think. But its price is nearly 100,000 kyats a gallon. Gasoline is mainly used for motorcycles to travel. If you cannot buy gasoline, you'll have to go on foot like in the past. It's not very convenient for those who didn't buy diesel in advance to do the agricultural work. But some people get the diesel, I heard. But the price is so high. The price went up until 18 to 22 lakh kyats about two weeks ago. But I don't know the price now." he said.
Because the current period is the time when the locals are working in the farm and upland plantations on a small scale, it is important to get fuel. Moreover, because the schools will reopen in the near future, fuel is needed, said locals.
Some social assistance associations are finding it difficult to exist anymore because it is difficult to get fuel and have stopped their work, a resident of Putao told CNI News.
While seeing people selling goods in Putao
" A man passed away a few days ago. About 20 people from the funeral service attended the funeral. Some smaller funeral services are no more. Fuel is needed to carry out a matter of life and death. In any case, if the road is reopened, it will be convenient." he said.
Because workers are finding it difficult in transportation due to hard availability of fuel and some of them have to stop their work. Despite the news that the Myitkyina - Putao section would be reopened in a few days, it was not clear when it would be, said locals.
That road is mainly important to the Putao region and if it is reopened, commodity prices will decline.
