APRG opens tender for foreign liquor import permits in Arakan State

By Admin 21 Jul 2026

DMG Newsroom

21 July 2026, Maungdaw

The Arakan People’s Revolutionary Government (APRG) is inviting tenders from local businesspeople to obtain official permits to import foreign liquor into Arakan State, which is controlled by the Arakan Army.

The import permits will be valid for five months, from August 2026 through the end of December, according to the APRG’s Alcohol Control Board (ACB).

"I’ve only seen the auction notice online so far and haven't seen official postings locally yet. Regulating legal sales is a good move; otherwise, merchants buy stock with their own money but have to sell it illicitly," a Maungdaw resident said. "It would be better if the tax rate isn't as high as the 50 percent levied during the Thingyan period."

Applicants can purchase application forms for K30,000 at nearby administration offices starting July 20, with submissions due by August 20.

Current market prices for liquor and beer in Arakan State vary widely. A short can of ABC Beer sells for between K11,000 and K23,000; Tiger Beer for between K12,000 and K19,000; Chang Beer for between K10,000 and K16,000; Soju for between K20,000 and K25,000 per bottle; and Royal Stag imported from India for up to K100,000 per bottle.

The APRG banned liquor produced in mainland Myanmar and foreign countries across Arakan State in December 2024, restricting residents to locally produced spirits.

During the Thingyan period from April to May 31, 2026, foreign liquor and beer imports were temporarily permitted under a 50 percent tax rate.

Merchants said foreign alcohol entering Arakan State without official permission has resulted in significant price differences among townships and retail outlets.

"Currently, importers aren't paying taxes because they operate through illegal routes rather than official channels," an Arakanese merchant from Kyauktaw Township said. "During the Thingyan period, imports were legally allowed under a 50 percent tax rate, but now they are completely banned. Importers resort to smuggling and face arrest if caught."

Arakanese traders have continued bringing in supplies through illicit channels due to the ban on legal imports.

While business owners and consumers welcomed the upcoming permit system, they expressed hope that tax rates would be reduced compared to previous levels.