Twice-a-Week Fuel Rationing Hits Myanmar Drivers

The Irrawaddy

Myanmar’s military regime has announced sweeping new fuel restrictions, limiting motorists to just two refills per week as shortages deepen across the country. The move replaces the “odd-even” rationing system introduced earlier this month and is set to take effect in the coming weeks, according to the junta’s Information Ministry.

The tightening of rules comes amid mounting frustration at filling stations, where pumps are running dry within hours of opening. In Yangon, motorists report queuing for miles overnight, only to find stations closing after two or three hours. “Lines of vehicles are building up at gas stations overnight,” one resident said, describing the situation as chaotic.

Despite insisting that reserves of diesel and petrol are sufficient for another 50 days, the regime has ordered government staff to work from home every Wednesday and urged private companies to follow suit. The measures highlight the strain on Myanmar, which relies on imports for around 90 percent of its fuel needs.

Prices have surged dramatically in recent days. In Yangon, Premium Diesel jumped from 3,560 kyats to 4,820 kyats per litre overnight, while Octane 92 rose from 2,830 to 3,610 kyats. On the black market, Octane 92 is trading at up to 10,000 kyats. Mon State has emerged as the most expensive region, with Premium Diesel topping 5,110 kyats per litre.

The rationing system itself has been plagued by problems. A digital platform introduced to enforce quotas has been criticised for glitches and fraud, with motorists reporting stolen vehicle IDs being used to claim fuel. Unregistered motorcycles, the backbone of rural transport, remain outside the system entirely.

Residents warn that the crisis is rippling beyond the forecourts. Rising transport costs are pushing up food prices, with some stations in Mon State opening only once every three days. “People are queuing for hours to refill,” one local said, adding that purchases are capped at 5,000 kyats for motorcycles and 10,000 kyats for cars.

With fuel shortages worsening and daily life increasingly disrupted, Myanmar faces a growing economic squeeze. For ordinary citizens, the struggle to secure fuel has become yet another burden in a country already grappling with political turmoil and international isolation.

-2026-03-24