Skyrocketing commodity prices deepen hardships for residents in southern Arakan State

By Admin 18 May 2026

DMG Newsroom

18 May 2026, Thandwe

Due to the impact of military conflict, commodity prices are skyrocketing in southern Arakan State townships such as Ramree, Kyaukphyu, Thandwe, Ann, and Gwa, creating livelihood hardships for local residents.

In Arakan State trade, the India-Arakan trade route and the Saw-Arakan trade route are key routes, but both are currently facing disruptions and numerous obstacles.

Compared to northern Arakan State, townships in southern Arakan State face higher transportation costs and greater commodity price instability, with prices of basic goods steadily rising.

"The displaced people and locals on the Thandwe side just have to buy and consume as best as they can, even if commodity prices are high. Since we cannot survive without eating, we have to economize as prices rise. Because jobs are also scarce in this area, we just have to face the resulting hardship," a local man in Thandwe said.

On May 15, prices of basic food items in Thandwe were K18,000 for one viss of garlic, K12,000 for one viss of onion, K38,000 for one viss of dried chili, K12,000 for one viss of peanut oil, K28,000 for one pack of Sunday coffee mix, K11,000 for one liter of fuel, and K12,000 for one liter of cooking oil.

Thandwe Township was previously reliant on tourism and fishing industries. Since the outbreak of fighting in Thandwe, jobs have disappeared, while fishing operations remain suspended due to restrictions imposed by the military navy.

On May 15, prices of basic food items in Ramree were K16,000 for one viss of garlic, K12,000 for one viss of onion, K15,000 for one viss of ginger, K37,000 for one viss of dried chili, K20,000 for one viss of seasoning powder, K130,000 for one bag of Paw Hsan Hmwe rice, and K23,000 for one pack of Sunday tea mix.

Current prices of basic food items in Taungup are K15,000 for one viss of onion, K35,000 for one viss of garlic, K31,000 for one pack of Sunday coffee containing 30 small sachets, K21,000 for one viss of seasoning powder, and K11,500 for one liter of Indian fuel.

Prices of basic commodities in Kyauktaw, northern Arakan State, on May 15 were K33,000 for one viss of dried chili, K28,000 for one viss of Indian chili, K18,000 for one viss of seasoning powder, K8,000 for one bottle of Indian cooking oil, K700 for one Indian egg, K900 for one local egg, K1,000 for one liter of Octane (92) fuel, K8,000 for one liter of Indian petrol, K29,000 for one pack of Sunday coffee containing 30 small sachets, K9,000 for one viss of onion, and K15,000 for one viss of garlic.

"Because commodity prices are high in this area, we are in a situation where we cannot afford to buy even if we need them. Since basic food prices are expensive, we have to economize to buy other necessary items," a local man in Ann said.

In Arakan State, men under the age of 45 are restricted from leaving the state, resulting in reduced trade activity, low commodity inflows, and rising prices.

In addition to regime forces being stationed in Kangyi Village in Saw Township, located along the important Saw-Arakan trade route, the military's establishment of a base in Saw is also contributing to rising commodity prices in Arakan State.

Basic commodities traded in Arakan State are imported from India, while food supplies flow into southern Arakan State through Kyauktaw and Mrauk-U townships.