The Yangon Region Chief Minister U Myo Myint Aung announced that cooking oil distribution would commence this month for industrial zone workers in Yangon, in addition to ongoing efforts for public employees and monastic schools in the region.

The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Yangon Region Government and the Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers’ and Oil Entrepreneurs’ Association.

“Since last November, we have been delivering cooking oil directly to all employees and monks in monastic schools within the region. This effort ensures more cooking oil availability in the market, alleviating kitchen-related concerns for families. Starting this month, we will also extend the service to workers in industrial zones through our partnership with the association,” stated U Myo Myint Aung.

Currently, the Myanmar Edible Oil Dealers’ and Oil Entrepreneurs’ Association operates a phone-order system that delivers cooking oil directly to homes. The system has been receiving over 5,000 orders daily.

Myanmar imports around 50,000 tons of cooking oil monthly, with over 30,000 tons allocated for public consumption and 15,000 tons for industrial use, according to U San Lin, the association’s chairman.

Major import sources for cooking oil include Malaysia and Indonesia. The Ministry of Commerce monitors and releases weekly reference prices for palm oil to regulate market prices.

Additionally, the association supplies cooking oil at an affordable rate of 75 kyats per viss (a traditional unit of weight) through its home delivery service.