Rice prices in Sittwe surge to nearly K300,000 per bag amid monsoon inflation

By Admin 24 Jun 2026

DMG Newsroom

24 June 2026, Sittwe

Wholesale rice prices in the junta-controlled capital of Arakan State have surged close to K300,000 per bag during the monsoon season, worsening an already severe food insecurity crisis and contributing to rising urban crime, local merchants said Wednesday.

Retailers and supply chain sources said the price spike is being driven by rising fuel costs and unstable maritime transport fees affecting supply routes.

Market data recorded on June 24 shows a bag of premium Shwebo Paw Hsan Hmwe selling at K290,000, while Ayeyarwady Paw Hsan Hmwe reached K270,000. Standard rice varieties are priced at around K200,000 per bag, with lower-grade coarse rice selling at approximately K120,000.

“High-grade rice prices have surged sharply over the past month,” a female rice trader in Sittwe said. “A bag that was around K230,000 last month is now approaching K300,000. Prices vary widely, making basic food unaffordable for many vulnerable families.”

Sittwe remains heavily dependent on cargo shipments from Yangon to sustain its food supply.

However, the local economy is under strain amid restrictions on movement and trade. Internally displaced persons and low-income residents face widespread unemployment alongside rapidly rising living costs.

A local resident said prices increased rapidly within weeks despite continued cargo arrivals.

“Even though ships are still coming in, rice prices remain extremely high,” he said. “If this continues, food shortages will become severe. Wealthier households are also stockpiling, which is pushing prices further up.”

Other essential goods have also seen sharp increases. Current market estimates show beef at K100,000 per viss, pork at K80,000 per viss, cooking oil at K9,000 per liter, onions at K7,500 per viss, and fuel at K18,000 per liter.

Sittwe residents said worsening economic conditions are contributing to rising petty theft and robberies in the Arakan State capital.

“People are struggling just to survive,” a young female resident said. “Desperation is increasing theft and crime because there are no jobs and food prices are too high.”

The military junta continues to enforce strict restrictions on land and sea transport routes into Sittwe, allowing only controlled shipping from Yangon for essential goods. Air transport for commercial cargo and medical supplies remains banned, while civilian movement out of the city is also restricted.

Humanitarian sources said aid supplies for displaced populations in Sittwe have been reduced, worsening living conditions.

The economic pressure comes amid heightened military tensions between junta forces and the Arakan Army (AA), with frequent security sweeps and overnight guest list checks reported across the city.