Long queues for fuel fact-of-life in crisis-hit Yangon

By Pan Pan
20 November 2023
Long queues for fuel fact-of-life in crisis-hit Yangon
Cars waiting in line for hours to purchase fuel

Residents of Yangon are facing long queues and limited fuel supplies as Myanmar’s largest commercial city grapples with a shortage that began in early November.

Drivers report waiting in line for hours to purchase fuel, with some stations only selling a limited amount per vehicle. The shortage is causing delays and disruptions for many residents.

Mizzima spoke with one rental car driver, Win Thein (nickname), who expressed frustration over the situation.

"Some gas stations sell only 10,000 Kyat worth of fuel per car,” he said. “The queue is so long. The place I went to line up for my car is a fuel station in North Dagon called Myat Myitta Mon.”

Fuel prices in Yangon have been fluctuating in recent months, with the fallout from the 2021 military coup in Myanmar contributing to an overall rise in commodity prices. However, the current shortage is causing additional hardships for residents.

Fuel stations in Yangon are reportedly operating under restrictions from the authorities, limiting the amount of fuel they can sell. They are also struggling to obtain adequate supplies.

The situation has been ongoing for several days, with no clear resolution in sight. Residents are calling on the authorities to address the fuel shortage and ensure a stable supply.

Other states and regions have also faced the same issue of fuel shortage.