Union govt urged again to relax vehicle number plate restrictions

Dr. Kyaw Soe, the People's Hluttaw representative for Toungoo constituency, stated that they have once again urged the Union government to relax the restrictions on vehicles, which are currently limited to driving on even or odd-numbered days based on their license plates, due to the current fuel distribution system. Dr. Kyaw Soe made these remarks in response to media inquiries after the 11th day of the second regular session of the third Union Hluttaw, held on July 28. "In terms of fuel distribution, even-numbered vehicles are instructed to purchase fuel on even days, and odd-numbered vehicles on odd days. Due to this method of fuel distribution, we have observed that millions of gallons of fuel are being supplied in excess each month. We have seen a decrease in fuel purchases. Therefore, because even-numbered vehicles have already been supplied fuel on even days and odd-numbered vehicles on odd days, we have again urged the Union government to relax the restrictions on vehicles driving on the roads, without setting even or odd-numbered day limitations," said Dr. Kyaw Soe. He continued, "If we allow vehicles to travel on the roads without dividing them into even and odd days, it will be much more convenient for our citizens. The current situation is such that a family seems to need two cars. It has become a situation where even-numbered cars drive on even days, and odd-numbered cars drive on odd days. Therefore, citizens who have to travel beyond their designated days face difficulties and hardships. For this reason, we have submitted a proposal urging the Union government not to take action by imposing even and odd-numbered day restrictions on vehicles driving on the roads," he said. On June 2, during the second regular session of the third People's Hluttaw, Sai Htun San (aka Sai Se Htan), the People's Hluttaw representative for Loikaw Township, stated that the even-odd license plate restriction for vehicles is a real problem when he asked a question about the high prices of fuel. "The main problem is in the regions. The government allows two times a week, for example, for motorcycles, we get eight liters. Eight liters is not enough. It is not enough at all. But fuel is also restricted. However, as I mentioned earlier, the even-odd number system that we are currently seeing and hearing about is indeed a problem. It is for our parents and citizens. Because when sending children to school, I think some households do not even have two motorcycles. Odd numbers, even numbers, and then motorcycles or cars are only valid if they have a license. However, in the regions, many do not have licenses. Therefore, the problem that is occurring is mainly with the even-odd system," said Sai Htun San (aka Sai Se Htan), the People's Hluttaw representative for Loikaw Township. In response to this question, an official from the Ministry of Electricity and Energy replied that the even-odd license plate restriction for vehicles and fuel conservation are policies set by the state. Similarly, on June 9, during the second regular session of the third Yangon Region Hluttaw, U Thein Naing, the Region Hluttaw representative for the Pabedan Township constituency from the USDP, asked whether there were any plans to abolish the even/odd system for vehicles in the Yangon Region. "By implementing QR code reading systems and mileage recording systems, we have already prevented fraudulent methods in fuel purchases and sales, and we are selling the actual amount of fuel needed for each vehicle within the specified limits. This is in line with the fuel conservation policy, and further restricting the even/odd system on the roads, rather than saving fuel, makes the social, economic, health, and educational aspects of the public's lives more difficult," said U Thein Naing. He also stated that since the queues to buy fuel at gas stations have now decreased, abolishing the even/odd system restrictions will greatly help in the rapid flow of goods and stabilize commodity prices. He further stated that due to the restrictions on fuel sales at gas stations and the additional even/odd system on the roads, there is a double control system for fuel conservation. Furthermore, when evaluating the even/odd system, it is necessary to consider not only how much fuel has been saved but also how production capacity and economic efficiency have been affected, said U Thein Naing, the Region Hluttaw representative for the Pabedan Township constituency. "To facilitate the daily commute of the public, reduce costs, and ensure smooth transportation, commodity prices will fall and stabilize. We want to know if there are any plans to re-abolish the driving system with even/odd restrictions for vehicles, considering the public's benefit, and if there are plans, when they will be abolished. If there are no plans, we ask through the Speaker of the Hluttaw why," said U Thein Naing, the Region Hluttaw representative for the Pabedan Township constituency. In response to this question, Dr. Myo Thaw, the Minister for Electricity, Energy, Industry, and Transportation of the Yangon Region Government, replied that the driving restrictions for vehicles based on even/odd license plate numbers were announced nationwide on March 3 and March 4, 2026, through a public announcement by the National Defence and Security Council Information Committee regarding fuel conservation, and that these regulations remain in effect until further notice.