August 24th, 2023
In the Tanintharyi Region, according to Dawei residents, the price of basic essential foods in Dawei has tripled compared to the previous year, and the local people are facing hardships.
After the military council issued 20,000 kyats banknotes last July, the commodity prices have risen exponentially, and now a bag of Paw San Hmwe rice in 24 pyi has risen from 110,000 kyats to 158,000 kyats and the price of other stuff such as oil and onions have also increased.
“A peittha of onions was 2,700 kyats a month ago. Now there are more than 4000 kyats and 158,000 kyats for a bag of Paw San Hmwe Rice. 5,600 kyats for a 1 liter can of oil from Thailand and a bag of sweet powder has also become 7,000 kyats ,” he said.
A grocery store owner in Dawei said that fairground owners and vendors in Dawei have less business than before, and the economic conditions are worse than before.
“Now everyone is difficult. The seller is also difficult. If the price of goods rises, the transaction is no longer good. Buyers have to buy as much as they can with what they have in their hands when the prices of goods go up. The prices of commodities are not stable, so we have to look for the capital to do business,” he said.
Due to the increase in commodity prices, the socio-economic life of day laborers, who are a grassroot, has become difficult.
A person who works as a day laborer said, “It is a struggle to get enough food. The prices of goods are also increasing day by day. Now I can’t even buy tea. 1200 for a cup of tea and 500 for a deep-fried twisted dough stick. In our condition, we can’t eat anymore. Prices go up. The money I get is not raised, so it is important to have enough food,” he said.
Starting from August 2021, the price of goods in the Tanintharyi Division has risen, and until now, the grassroots are facing hardships. The military council started around 2022, in the East Valley, Pulo Township, and Tanintharyi Township, according to sources in the region, people from there are facing food shortages due to the blocking of access to gasoline and basic food.
News – Naw Ae Ni
Image: CJ
Phar Si Than (People’s Radio Myanmar)
