Commodity prices surge, deepening hardship for IDPs in Arakan State

By Admin 07 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 May 2026, Kyauktaw

People in Arakan State, currently under a trade blockade, are facing severe hardship due to soaring commodity prices, with internally displaced persons (IDPs) among the worst affected.

In recent days, prices have risen sharply as key trade routes, including those from India and the Saw Route in Magway Region, remain closed.

Caught between rising costs and scarce job opportunities, IDPs are struggling to survive on insufficient daily wages earned through casual labour.

“In the past, where I could afford K1,000 worth of cooking oil, I can now only buy K500 worth. For onions, I used to use two whole ones, but now I can only use a small slice. I don’t even dare use seasoning powder like I used to. We are becoming accustomed to surviving as displaced people by cutting back in every way possible,” said Daw Hla Thar Aye, an IDP from Kyauktaw Township.

In areas controlled by the Arakan Army, prices of basic foodstuffs have increased significantly. On 4 April 2026, an Indian egg cost around K500, betel nut was priced at K30,000 per viss, Indian cooking oil at around K8,000 per litre, and seasoning powder at K17,000 per sack.

By 3 May, prices had surged further, with an Indian egg costing K800, cleaned betel nut reaching K35,000 per viss, Indian cooking oil priced at K10,500 per litre, and seasoning powder rising to K18,000.

“It costs about K15,000 a day for just two people. There are days when we can’t even earn that amount, so we have to eat water spinach curry. We can’t afford fish every day, so we mix it with bean curry,” she added.

The enforcement of the National Defence Emergency Provision has led many young people to flee to India and other regions. In addition, as many traders have suspended operations, displaced people working as stevedores at Kyauktaw jetty are facing worsening financial hardship.

“There are four people in my family. When goods used to arrive, traders and workers could earn enough for the day. Since everyone depends on each other, if no goods reach the traders, the labourers have no work,” said a local resident, U Soe Win Naing.

Restrictions on the movement of men under the age of 45 in Arakan State have further slowed the flow of goods and limited employment opportunities.

IDPs say they must carefully manage daily expenses, including their children’s snack money, as the prices of essentials such as oil, salt, chilli and onions continue to rise.

“The crisis is worsening. Prices for oil, salt and chilli have all increased. I used to be able to buy a whole bottle of cooking oil, but now I can only afford half a bottle or K1,000 worth,” said Ma Than Than Soe, an IDP from Sittwe Township.

There are approximately 600,000 IDPs in Arakan State who have been displaced by conflict since November 2023.

They are now bearing the brunt of the regime’s “four cuts” blockade, with residents saying the lack of humanitarian aid is severely affecting living conditions and survival.