Betel leaf prices surge to K70,000 per viss in Arakan State

By Admin 07 Aug 2026

DMG Newsroom

7 August 2026, Kyauktaw

Betel leaf prices have continued to rise across areas controlled by the Arakan Army in Arakan State, reaching as high as K70,000 per viss.

In recent months, locally produced betel leaves were sold at around K50,000 per viss, but prices have steadily increased since the beginning of August.

At local markets, betel leaf prices currently range from K30,000 to K70,000 per viss depending on quality.

"With local production declining, prices are fluctuating. In Arakan, there are few growers but many consumers, which is driving prices higher," said a female betel leaf vendor from Kyauktaw Township.

Following the outbreak of battles for control of towns across Arakan State, military junta blockades have disrupted the flow of goods from mainland Myanmar, halting imports of commodities including betel leaves.

Local farmers cultivate betel leaves only on a small scale. As a result, high demand combined with limited production has created a severe shortage in local markets.

Recent flooding across Arakan State has also damaged many betel farms, further reducing supply and pushing prices higher.

"In our village, there are normally more than 10 betel leaf farms. The first flood damaged some of them, but the recent flooding destroyed many more. The betel plants died, and the shortage has pushed prices up," said a female vendor from Shwepyi Village in Kyauktaw Township.

Betel leaves are cultivated on a small commercial scale in Kyauktaw, Ponnagyun, Mrauk-U, Minbya and Ann townships, as well as Myebon, Pauktaw, Ramree and Taungup townships.

Due to military junta blockades restricting two-way trade with mainland Myanmar, shortages of regional commodities continue across Arakan State, affecting daily livelihoods.