Junta plans to restore electricity in Sittwe

By Admin 22 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

22 August 2026, Sittwe

Electricity is expected to be restored in Sittwe, the only remaining town in northern Arakan State under military control, next month, with two large diesel generators already delivered, according to regime-controlled media.

Electricity will be supplied to urban wards using high-capacity generators. Two diesel generators, rated at 500 KVA and 300 KVA, arrived in Sittwe starting August 20.

"Technicians came to inspect power lines in town and are repairing damaged cables. People say electricity will be restored in late August or early September, though nothing is confirmed yet," a male resident of Sittwe said.

Sittwe previously received electricity from the main power substation in Ponnagyun Township, but the supply has been completely cut off for more than two years since fighting broke out.

The prolonged blackout has forced residents to rely on firewood and charcoal for cooking, causing severe financial hardship due to soaring prices.

"With firewood and charcoal prices skyrocketing, having electricity restored would be helpful. Cooking is a vital daily necessity, so electricity will ease our burden to some extent," a female Sittwe resident said.

Local residents reported that a bag of charcoal currently costs between K60,000 and K100,000 in Sittwe.

While restoring power would be a positive development for residents, another female resident noted that high meter rates driven by fuel costs could limit actual usage.

"We have been without electricity for nearly three years. Restoring power is good, but with high fuel prices, electricity bills will likely be far higher than before. People will have to weigh whether they can afford it based on the meter charges," she said.

Sittwe is the sole remaining town in northern Arakan State under junta control and remains surrounded by Arakan Army forces.

The military junta has tightened urban security and restricted movement, leaving town residents struggling with daily survival challenges.