Arakan State charities grapple with fuel price hikes

12 Mar 2022

DMG Newsroom
12 March 2022, Sittwe 

Charities are among the latest to suffer from rising fuel prices in Myanmar, with many free funeral service and ambulance providers having to spend more on funerals from their funds, according to charities based in Arakan State. 

Before the coup in February 2021, the price of a litre of octane or diesel fuel stood at around K700. These days, it has soared to over K2,000, severely disrupting the normal operation of local charities in Arakan State, said U Japen Gyi, the chairman of Lay Waddy Kuthala Rakhiata charity based in Kyaukphyu. 

“Fuel costs have almost doubled as a result. Previously, it only cost around K300,000 to send patients to Yangon. However, it costs nearly K500,000 now. Those who can afford to pay us for fuel. But some can’t afford to pay. We can only help twice a month now, though we used to help five times a month in the past,” he said. 

Many charities in Arakan State are run with monthly contributions from their members. 

“Our charity runs with its own funds,” said Ko Kyaw Myint Maung, chairman of the Htarwara Metta free funeral service society based in Gwa Township. “Sometimes, patients pay [for fuel costs]. We will continue to offer help even if fuel prices remain high. Now, we are running with the funds we have.”

 U Min Htel War, the chairman of Shwe Yaung Metta Foundation based in Sittwe, said fuel costs the foundation more than K5 million per month. It will be difficult for charities to fulfil the requests of people if fuel prices continue to increase, he added. “We can’t reject when people seek our help. I’m afraid that we can’t continue to help the people because of the high fuel price,” he said. 

Charities in other parts of Arakan State including Manaung, Taungup and Thandwe townships also report needing to tighten their fiscal belts due to the rising fuel costs.