Fuel prices near 4,000 kyats in Naypyidaw

Fuel costs in Myanmar continue to climb, with 92 Octane petrol reaching almost 4,000 kyats per litre in Naypyidaw, according to figures released by the junta’s Petroleum Product Regulatory Department.

On 13 September, official retail prices stood at 3,930 kyats for 92 Octane, 4,055 kyats for 95 Octane, 4,255 kyats for regular diesel and 5,155 kyats for premium diesel. Just two weeks earlier, 92 Octane was priced at 3,685 kyats, highlighting a sharp rise of more than 240 kyats per litre. Similar increases have been reported in Yangon and Mandalay, though prices vary by location.

Residents say informal roadside stalls are charging up to 7,000 kyats per litre, underscoring the strain on households and businesses. A government employee in Bago Region told Mizzima that generator fuel costs at their office had jumped from 500,000 kyats to 700,000 kyats, forcing staff to cut back on travel and rely on villagers for transport.

Myanmar imports around 95% of its fuel, making it highly vulnerable to foreign exchange shortages. Fuel accounted for one‑third of total imports in 2023, according to ISP Myanmar. Since the coup, supply disruptions and rising costs have become routine, with the junta struggling to secure sufficient imports.

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing has ordered imports to be reduced by 30% from September, with plans to substitute domestic production from the Thanlyin No. (1) Oil Refinery. The regime aims to cut foreign fuel dependence by 75% within five years.

The Central Bank last intervened in May, selling $81 million in foreign currency to assist importers. But with prices continuing to surge, ordinary citizens face mounting hardship as fuel becomes increasingly unaffordable.

-2026-09-17