Fuel prices in Sagaing have surged in recent days due to shortages and long queues at major filling stations, with a one-litre bottle now selling for between Ks10,000 and Ks12,000 on the market, according to local residents.

With only four fuel stations operating in the city, vehicles and motorcycles have been lining up overnight to refuel. Locals say queues continue to grow daily, and even those arriving as early as 6 am must wait more than four hours, often receiving fuel worth only Ks5,000—just over a litre.

Residents added that cars are limited to purchasing Ks30,000 worth of fuel, while motorcycles face even stricter limits. Sagaing-registered vehicles are also unable to refuel in Mandalay, increasing pressure on the city’s limited supply.

Of the four stations, two are located in the city and two outside, with one in the city area only operating in the morning or reporting no fuel in recent days. Authorities have been selling fuel on a quota system since before the current shortage.

The scarcity and long waiting times have driven up black market prices, with fuel rising from around Ks6,000–7,000 per litre previously to as high as Ks10,000–13,000 in some areas, residents said.