Domestic fuel prices rise for 3 consecutive weeks

Ayeyarwaddy Times August 8 Domestic fuel prices have been rising for three consecutive weeks, according to market sources. The domestic fuel price has increased by approximately 400 kyats per liter for gasoline and nearly 800 kyats per liter for diesel. The Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Business Supervisory Committee announced that the designated fuel prices from August 7 to 10 are 3840 kyats per liter for 92 octane, 3950 kyats per liter for 95 octane, 5050 kyats per liter for premium diesel, and 4158 kyats per liter for diesel. On July 31, the prices were 3640 kyats per liter for 92 octane, 3685 kyats per liter for 95 octane, 4830 kyats per liter for premium diesel, and 3895 kyats per liter for diesel. Furthermore, on July 24, the Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Business Supervisory Committee announced prices of 3350 kyats per liter for 92 octane, 3460 kyats per liter for 95 octane, 4315 kyats per liter for premium diesel, and 360 kyats per liter for diesel. Market sources indicate that while the fuel purchase policy using QR codes, controlled by the interim government, is convenient for private households, it is causing difficulties for businesses and affecting commodity prices. "In previous weeks, when fuel prices dropped, we couldn't lower our transport fares. Now that other goods are expensive, and fuel prices continue to rise, we cannot ask for a significant increase in fares. If prices are too high, people won't use our services," a transporter told Ayeyarwaddy Times. A taxi driver stated that they are facing financial difficulties and insufficient basic living expenses because they have to fill their tanks to the specified liter capacity. "Previously, if I earned enough to fill 10,000 kyats worth of fuel, I could drive for about a week. That is, I could make a profit. The rest was for food and other expenses. Now, I have to fill at least 100,000 kyats worth of fuel. After paying for fuel, there's nothing left from what I earn driving. If I can't drive well the next day, it becomes even more difficult," said a taxi driver in Yangon. The public is suffering from the burden of rising prices for various commodities, including fuel difficulties, inability to purchase sufficient cooking oil, and eggs, due to the policies of the interim government. Photo – Ayeyarwaddy Times