Motorbike spare part prices skyrocket in Arakan State amid tighter traffic rules

By Admin 07 Feb 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 February 2026, Kyauktaw

The prices of motorbike spare parts have surged and some items are in short supply in Arakan State townships under Arakan Army (AA) control, following stricter inspections and legal action against traffic rule violations.

Since the beginning of this year, the United League of Arakan (ULA) has implemented strict traffic regulations, leading to price hikes for motorbike accessories in townships including Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Minbya, and Rathedaung.

“Parts are out of stock at almost every major shop. I searched everywhere for a pair of side-view mirrors but couldn’t find any. Eventually, I had to buy a pair for over K30,000 from a shop that sells Indian-made three-wheeled motorbikes,” said a 25-year-old resident of Kyauktaw.

The current market price for short-stemmed side-view mirrors is K30,000, while long-stemmed ones range from K40,000 to K50,000 depending on quality.

Before the latest fighting broke out in Arakan State, a pair of side-view mirrors cost around K4,000. The price has now increased nearly tenfold. Similarly, the cost of a motorbike horn has risen from K2,000 to over K10,000, while helmets, previously priced at around K20,000, now range from K60,000 to K70,000. Shop owners confirmed that prices for all spare parts, including light bulbs, have escalated.

In areas controlled by the Arakan Army, members of the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) under the ULA are arresting those who drive recklessly or fail to follow regulations, taking action under Section 87 of the Vehicle Management Law. Those detained must appear in township court and pay a fine of K30,000.

The high demand for motorbike accessories has led to a scramble for parts among residents.

“Previously, prices of spare parts fluctuated but were still available. Now, certain items like side-view mirrors are nowhere to be found,” said another local man in Kyauktaw.

The ULA has mandated that motorbikes must have functional headlights, taillights, horns, side-view mirrors, and brakes. A maximum of two people is allowed per motorbike, and both the rider and passenger must wear helmets.

“I can’t travel to the main towns because my bike lacks side-view mirrors. I only ride within the village where there are no checkpoints. Spare parts are so scarce that they are sold out as soon as you ask at the shops,” said a resident of Ponnagyun Township.

A DLEPS member in Minbya said strict inspections are being conducted to ensure road safety and reduce accidents, urging all citizens to follow the rules. Under Section 87 of the Road Safety Law, violators—including those not wearing helmets, carrying more than two people, or not wearing seatbelts in cars—can face imprisonment or fines.

In January alone, DLEPS took action against more than 300 traffic violators in Minbya Township.

While residents acknowledge that the ULA’s enforcement of traffic rules is a positive step, many are struggling to comply due to the scarcity of required equipment amid ongoing transportation blockades and travel restrictions.