CNI News

8 June 2024

Because there has been an excessive increase in the price of fuel in Putao Township, Kachin State and fuel cannot be bought there, people in the township have to be using their physical strength to plow for their hill-side cultivation, according to Putao locals. 

Farmers sold their cattle and bought tractors. However, they could not be used because of difficulty getting fuel reportedly. 

The people especially in Naungmoon region of the township are using their physical strength to plow, U Bran Shaung, a resident of Putao, told CNI News.

"People from two households that have no cattle collectively plow by their physical strength in Naungmoon and Pananpin Townships. But later, people from other places, who don't have enough fuel also plow like that. Some farmers have no cattle. Other farmers sold one or two cattle of theirs and bought small Chinese tractors, so they have no cattle and then they have to plow by their physical strength. Mainly, plowing by man's physical strength can be found more in Naungmoon region." he said.

While seeing a petrol station

Putao Township mainly depends on goods coming from Myitkyina Township and the Myitkyina-Putao Road has not been able to be used since before the last water festival because of battles.

So, there has been a shortage of basic foodstuffs including fuel and the prices are going up exorbitantly. Currently, the price of fuel is 100,000 kyats per litre and it cannot be bought easily. Although fuel is carried on shoulders from the Indian bordera and sold, Just a little amount could be available, Ko Di Tan, a resident of Putao, told CNI News.

While seeing the entrance to Putao Town

At present, goods for Putao Township are being carried by plane and an egg is paid 1,000 kyats and there have been a shortage of dried noodle and other foodstuffs.

Although now is the school opening season, students cannot buy books, ballpoint pens, school uniforms and pencils as much as they need. The price of one dozen blank books is 40,000 kyats and some parents are finding it difficult to buy the books for their children reportedly.