Narinjara News, 22January 2023
Even though the roads of Rakhine State have been reopened after the informal ceasefire between the militarycouncil and Arakan Army in the Statethe fuel prices continue to increase, alleged the residents.

With the rise of fuel prices, the people in various sectors like social (relief) work, transportcompanies, construction companiesand other establishments stillface difficulties in moving for their works.
A female student from Sittwe University said that the price of gasoline (petrol) in Rakhine is aroundKyats 2,500 per litre. Its priceis also going up in the last few weeks.
“I am paying even Kyars 1,000 for the one-way car fare to arrive at the school. Earlier it was around threeto five hundred Kyats in one waytravelling. Now we cannot afford the rising fees. All students are facing the difficulties.” added thestudent.
Many students have stopped going to school daily. They only reach the school on important occasions. Even forthose who have motorcycles theyhave to spend more money on fuel.
On 21 January 2023, a litre of octane was sold at Kyats 2,450 at Shwe Yoma fuel station. The Premium is beingsold at Kyats 2,705 per liter anddiesel at Kyats 2,625 per liter. In some Rakhine townships the octane is being bought with Kyats 2,700per liter.
U Nyi Pu, Pure Love Charity Association chairman from Kyauk Taw informed Narinjara News that with theincrease of fuel prices in RakhineState it has created problems while transporting the volunteers to support the patients under medication.
“As the fuel price is higher in our place, we simply cannot transport the patients to the hospitals. Now thepatients are being appealed to paysome amount of money for the cause,” he added.
During the period, when the military council forces and AA members were fighting fiercely in RakhineState, the fuel prices started increasingup to Kyats 3,000 per liter.
Now the informal ceasefire is in place and all the land & water routes have been opened. However, the price offuel is rising to Kyats 2,500 perliter, added the residents.