According to the new fuel reference prices announced on May 29 by the Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Supervisory Committee, fuel prices in Mon State remain higher than those in other states and regions.

Under the updated reference prices, 92 Ron gasoline in Mon State is priced at 4,810 kyats per litre, which is 260 kyats higher than in Yangon, 150 kyats higher than in Hpa-an, 245 kyats higher than in Bago, and 75 kyats higher than in Dawei. Meanwhile, 95 Ron gasoline is priced at 4,915 kyats per litre, which is 295 kyats higher than in Yangon, 180 kyats higher than in Hpa-an, 280 kyats higher than in Bago, and 105 kyats higher than in Dawei.

Diesel prices in Mon State are also higher than in neighboring regions. Diesel is priced at 5,160 kyats per litre, which is 565 kyats higher than in Yangon, 460 kyats higher than in Hpa-an, 550 kyats higher than in Bago, and 390 kyats higher than in Dawei. Premium diesel stands at 5,850 kyats per litre, exceeding Yangon prices by 130 kyats, Hpa-an by 185 kyats, Bago by 285 kyats, and Dawei by 115 kyats.

A resident of Mawlamyine questioned why fuel prices in Mon State continue to remain higher than in other regions every year. He said that despite changes in the state government, authorities have yet to reduce fuel prices to levels comparable with other areas. He also expressed hope that lawmakers would raise questions about the issue during the upcoming Mon State Hluttaw session.

According to the Mon State Fuel Import, Storage and Distribution Association, importers bringing fuel into Mon State do not receive US dollars from the government in the same way as importers operating through Yangon’s Thilawa Port. Instead, they must use their own foreign currency and purchase dollars at rates close to the black market price, which contributes to the higher fuel prices in Mon State compared with Yangon Region.

Fuel importation and distribution in Mon State are being handled by Myanmar Energy King Company and Yar Zar Min Industry Company, which secured tenders during the tenure of former Mon State Chief Minister U Aung Kyi Thein. The companies distribute fuel through the Puma International Port Terminal in Kadong Pao Village, Mudon Township.

However, Yar Zar Min Industry Company owner U Nyi Nyi Htwe has reportedly been charged under the Essential Supplies and Services Law for allegedly smuggling fuel. Similar charges have also been filed against U Sein Tin, also known as Kasin, owner of Swan Myanmar fuel station; U Myint Zaw Oo, also known as Zaw Oo, owner of Miba Metta fuel station; and U Hla Win Khaing, owner of Min Thant fuel station, at relevant local police stations.