In Mandalay, the price of fuel has surged to around ks.10,000 per liter on the black market due to a shortage and long queues at fuel stations.

Currently, locals report that fuel prices range from ks.8,000 to Ks.10,000 per liter. Vehicles and motorcycles waiting for fuel at stations stretch for 4 to 5 miles, with some residents lining up from as early as 4:00 am.

"The number of people queuing up at fuel stations is increasing day by day. Even if I get up at 6 in the morning, I have to queue for more than 3 hours. After queuing for 3 hours, only ks.3000 for fuel was allowed to buy," said a motorcyclist.

"Fuel stations sell only ks.10,000 or 20,000 to each vehicle, while some stations sell up to ks.30,000. For motorcycles, ks.3,000 to ks.5,000 per motorcycle was allowed. It depends on the fuel ration that shop gets. We have to line for half of a day to buy ks.3,000 worth of fuel," said a local resident.

The price hikes are attributed to increased waiting times and fuel shortages. Previously, fuel cost ks.4,000 to ks.5,000 per liter, but it has now spiked to ks.9,000, and in some areas, it reaches ks.10,000. This situation is particularly challenging for those relying on fuel for their livelihood.

According to the Myanmar Fuel Oil Importers and Distributors Association, delays are exacerbated by the cautious driving of fuel tankers during the rainy season, causing temporary shortages at fuel stations. Additionally, an influx of people from unstable areas into big cities has heightened demand. Despite these challenges, the association assures that there is ample oil in storage tanks at Thilawa and that fuel imports continue, promising a return to normal distribution soon.