Junta control on foreign currency leading to Burma running out of gasoline

April 20, 2022

HURFOM: The military junta has controlled the trade of US dollars resulting in significant impacts on importation of gasoline. Gasoline imports have currently halted. Critics point out that Burma is running out of gasoline.

In Mon State the fuel shortages have forced gasoline stations in Mawlamyine to sell only within limited times.

“We can’t sell gasoline for the whole day. We’ll operate the shop only from 6 am to 11 am. The sale amount will depend on the quota of gasoline available. When we get the usual quota of gasoline, we’ll run our shop normally,” said an official from one station in Mawlamyine.

The shortage has led to prices going up, and people have to queue up for a long time at the stations.

“Not only is the price high but we also have to wake up early to queue up to get gasoline,” said a taxi driver from Mawlamyine.

Many taxi drivers and those employed in the transportation sector have lost their jobs.

“Motorcycle taxi drivers, tri-car taxi drivers and transporters who were already in a hand to mouth situation are now in even more trouble,” said a taxi driver.

Photos of a long queue of cars and huge crowds in front of gasoline stations across Burma went viral on social media, leading some of the larger gasoline suppliers to state they would not introduce limitations or restrictions.

Written by Modinator · Filed Under News