In Taunggyi, the capital of Shan State, prices for essential goods have risen sharply, with pork prices reaching record highs.

On November 25, during the market day, the price of pork soared to 40,000 MMK per viss (approximately 1.6 kg) due to a shortage of pigs, according to a local pork seller.

“It used to be 35,000 MMK per viss. Now it has been 40,000 MMK for two days. The scarcity of pigs is driving up prices. We’re cutting back on the amount of meat sold per portion. Prices are even higher for premium cuts,” the seller explained.

Chicken prices have also risen, with whole chicken meat priced between 18,000 MMK and 20,000 MMK per viss, while CP-brand chickens are sold at 23,000 MMK per viss. A cooked meat vendor remarked, “As meat prices rise, customers buy less. Most people are just trying to get by with simple meals. Premium pork cuts are especially expensive.”

Additionally, the prices of vegetables and basic kitchen supplies, such as tomatoes, onions, garlic, potatoes, green chilies, and ginger, have significantly increased since mid-November. On November 25, market prices in Taunggyi included 10,000–12,000 MMK per viss for potatoes, 15,000 MMK for garlic, 8,000 MMK for tomatoes, 5,500 MMK for shallots, and 17,000 MMK for green chilies.

One local resident commented on the challenges: “The rising population in Taunggyi is also affecting prices. In the past, you could shop for 10,000–20,000 MMK. Now, even with 50,000 MMK, you barely get anything—just a few vegetables for a couple of days. If you eat out, the costs are even higher. Everything is becoming more unaffordable.”

In nearby Nyaungshwe, tomato prices have reached 8,000 MMK per viss due to supply shortages from the Inle Lake region. Farmers reported that the prices have remained high for over a month, marking an unprecedented peak.

According to reports from the Aungpan wholesale market on November 23, prices included 5,500 MMK for Shan onions, 4,500 MMK for ginger, 8,500 MMK for newly harvested potatoes, and up to 25,000 MMK for premium-grade garlic. The influx of displaced people from Lashio and Loikaw areas is also contributing to higher demand and rising prices.

The soaring costs of basic goods, including pork, potatoes, and related food items, have affected the prices of popular dishes such as dumplings, steamed buns, samusas, fried potatoes, and fried shallots. In Taunggyi, a single steamed bun now costs 2,000–2,500 MMK, a bowl of noodles ranges from 4,000–6,000 MMK, and warm tofu snacks are priced at 2,500–3,000 MMK per serving.

This surge in prices is putting a significant strain on households, forcing many to reduce their consumption and prioritize basic necessities.