Essential commodity prices surge amid blockades, trade disruptions in Arakan State

By Admin 30 Apr 2026

DMG Newsroom

30 April 2026, Mrauk-U

Prices of basic food and household commodities have sharply increased across Arakan State as Myanmar military blockades disrupt trade routes, while recent arrests of traders by the Arakan Army (AA) have further strained supply flows.

Around a week ago, prices of key items included K7,000 per viss of onion, K10,000 per viss of garlic, K7,500 per liter of Indian cooking oil, K25,000 per sack of Sunday coffee mix, and K10,000 per viss of ginger.

Market prices have now risen to around K10,000 per viss of onion, K15,000 per viss of garlic, K10,000 per liter of cooking oil, K27,000 per sack of coffee mix, and K18,000 per viss of ginger, according to local traders.

“The price of cooking oil and food items has increased. Fuel prices are still stable because stocks remain, but the market is very unstable,” said a grocery store owner in Kyauktaw Township.

While most essential goods are becoming more expensive, the price of dried yellow prawns, one of Arakan State’s local products, has dropped from around K100,000 per viss to about K50,000.

Since fighting escalated in November 2023, trade routes into Arakan State have been heavily restricted, forcing reliance on limited supply corridors via India and the Magway–Saw Road.

Merchants say movement has become more difficult after the military established a permanent base and expanded checkpoints along the Kangyi Village route linking Arakan State and Saw.

“I have temporarily stopped trading. Once the roads are clear, I will resume. We usually travel based on shared updates about road conditions. Prices always rise when disruptions happen,” said an Arakanese merchant.

The Arakan Army has also reportedly detained traders and youths at checkpoints in Paletwa Township, accusing them of attempting to leave the state. Following these arrests, boat operators, drivers, and merchants say they are increasingly avoiding travel to India to procure goods, further reducing supply.

Some traders are also accused of increasing prices on existing stocks, worsening pressure on consumers.

“Sellers raise prices citing difficulties. Sometimes prices in villages rise even before goods reach Kyauktaw. We see this often,” said a female resident of Rathedaung Township.

Residents already facing conflict-related hardship warn that further price increases could deepen food insecurity across the state.