Due to the closure of the Mandalay-Myitkyina route starting on August 16, local residents report that the prices of goods have skyrocketed in towns across Kachin State.

In Myitkyina, Hpakant, and Putao, there are reports of shortages of food supplies. The primary foodstuffs are typically transported via the Mandalay-Myitkyina road, and if the blockade continues, residents in major towns will need to alter their eating habits, according to a Myitkyina neighborhood administrator.

"Fish prices have risen to 50,000 Kyats per viss. Some goods are now transported by air, making them five times more expensive. Local vegetables are still available at around 2,000 Kyats, but there’s a shortage of medicine," he said.

In Putao, the price of household salt weighing half a viss has increased from 50 Kyats to 5,000 Kyats, according to a local resident.

In Hpakant, items such as eggs, tomatoes, meat, and fish are in short supply. Betel quid now costs 1,000 Kyats per unit, a pack of radish is 13,000 Kyats, a single eggplant costs 1,000 Kyats, and a gallon of gasoline is priced at 40,000 kyats, causing widespread hardship in the area, a local resident reported.

"Everything except jade has become more expensive. With no phone service, an hour of internet costs 30,000 Kyats. The closure of the Mandalay route has affected everyone. Chayote and jade are now almost the same price. This is unprecedented," he said.

Several stores in Myitkyina, Hpakant, Mohnyin, Mogaung, and Hopin have been forced to close due to the lack of phone service and unstable prices. The closure of the main route between Myitkyina and Mandalay occurred after military camps in Indaw and Htigyaing were attacked on August 15, leading to rising commodity prices across Kachin State.