Fuel prices rise again this week

Ayeyarwaddy Times July 24 Amidst global fuel shortages due to the conflict in the Middle East, the situation in Myanmar has worsened due to the interim government's control policies, and fuel prices have risen again this week, according to reports. From today, July 24, to the 30th, the fuel prices set by the Fuel Import, Storage, and Distribution Supervisory Committee under the interim government have increased by 140 to 420 kyats compared to the previous week. A Yangon resident stated that at current fuel stations, purchases are made according to the set prices using QR codes, and there are no queues lasting for hours yet. This week's fuel prices show an increase: 92 octane gasoline at 3,350 kyats per liter (up 140 kyats), 95 octane at 3,460 kyats per liter (up 175 kyats), premium diesel at 4,315 kyats per liter (up 420 kyats), and diesel at 3,560 kyats per liter (up 385 kyats). The previous week's prices were 3,210 kyats per liter for 92 octane, 3,285 kyats per liter for 95 octane, 3,895 kyats for premium diesel, and 3,175 kyats for diesel. "As of today, fuel is still available for purchase. There are no queues yet. There are only one or two cars ahead. It's not like before. We don't know what will happen next. Buying fuel according to the set price is difficult for those who have businesses. Also, the pair/single system and those regulations make it difficult to operate," said a consumer goods distributor from Yangon. Although fuel prices have decreased this month compared to previous prices, this has not led to a decrease in commodity prices, including travel expenses, and prices are rising due to the interim government's restrictions and limitations. "We are now buying fuel at 5,500 kyats per liter. 20,000 kyats per gallon. Previously, we had to pay over 10,000 kyats. Although fuel prices have dropped, we cannot reduce motorcycle taxi fares. Repair costs and commodity prices are not balanced. We feel sorry for the passengers," said a motorcycle taxi driver from Hlaing Thar Yar Township. Furthermore, among the fuel resellers, many are wealthy individuals who own vehicles, and those who use vehicles less frequently are taking out the set amount of fuel and reselling it, he said. The interim government has implemented fuel conservation measures since March, including designating Wednesdays as work-from-home (WFH) days for government employees, setting purchase limits based on vehicle performance via QR codes for a maximum of twice a week, and introducing a pair/single system. Photo: Ayeyarwaddy Times (Archived photo)