CNI News
13 November 2024
Because the trade routes coming from the mainland to Rakhine State have been closed, Rakhine locals are mainly depending on the goods coming from India.
As all the trade routes have been closed since the end of 2023 when battles were resumed between the Myanmar Tatmadaw and the Arakan Army, local people in Rakhine State are depending on the goods coming from India and especially locals from Ponnagyun, Kyauktaw, Mrauk U, Pauktaw and so on in northern Rakhine State are depending on the Indian commodities.
Rakhine region produces rice only and apart from rice, it is importing other products from India, U Maung Thein Hla from the Danyawadi Farmers Federation in Mrauk U Township, told CNI News.
While seeing the Kaladan River flowing from India to Rakhine State through Paletwa
"Locals from northern Rakhine State such as Mrauk U and Kyauktaw have to depend on the Indian goods because they are near India. For the time being, they are mainly importing foodstuffs, medical products, fuel oil, harvesting machines, tractor spare parts. Regarding foodstuff, apart from rice, other foodstuffs all are imported." he said.
In comparison with the prices of goods imported from India in the end of 2023, the current prices are going up excessively. Although the price of edible oil was only 3,000 kyats per litter before, the current price has been 10,000 kyats.
In the same way, the price of fuel oil was 10,000 kyats per litter in the past, the current price has been 30,000 kyats.
However, because the price of paddy that has been grown by locals has been lower, they are finding it difficult, U Maung San Hla, a local of Kyauktaw, told CNI News.
While seeing Paletwa Town in Chin State
" The goods imported from India mainly contain fuel oil, chilly, battery and solar panels. Their prices are very high because they have to come from illegal channels. The main product produced by locals here is paddy. But its price is just 10,000 kyats per basket. So,. locals are badly hurt." he said.
Indian commodities are carried to Kyauktaw through Paletwa Township in Chin State by waterway and then the commodities are distributed to other townships in Rakhine State
Now that the open season has come, although the transportation route has been better, locals are worried that the Indian side will close its export because the prices can rise.
