The Irrawaddy Fuel prices in Myanmar surged on Friday after the junta rolled out a new digital rationing system, sparking anger and confusion among motorists across major cities. The system, introduced in Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyitaw and Taunggyi, requires drivers to scan vehicle barcodes or QR codes to enforce strict quotas. Private cars and taxis are capped at 15 litres per day, light trucks at 25, passenger vehicles at 50, and heavy trucks at 150. But drivers complain they are often allowed less than the official limit, with some reporting only 12 or 13 litres. The new restrictions come on top of the existing “odd‑even” scheme, which limits vehicles to operating on alternate days depending on their licence plate number. Together, the measures have created long queues at petrol stations, with staff struggling to manage the scanning process. Some motorists say the system misidentifies their vehicles or falsely shows they have already reached their quota. The tightening of fuel supply follows global price rises linked to recent US‑Israeli strikes on Iran, which disrupted oil shipments. In Myanmar, premium diesel jumped from 2,905 to 3,560 kyats per litre, while standard diesel rose from 2,610 to 3,250. Octane 92 and 95 also saw sharp increases. Transport operators warn the quotas will force them to cut services. A Yangon car rental owner said he would now have to negotiate terms with clients and limit bookings. In rural areas, where unlicensed motorcycles are common, the system threatens to push many off the road entirely, driving demand for costly black‑market fuel. The junta insists reserves are sufficient for 40 days, but the chaos at filling stations has cast doubt on that claim. With queues lengthening and prices climbing, Myanmar’s motorists face mounting frustration — and a stark reminder of how global shocks can quickly ripple through a country already under strain. -2025-03-15
