Mizzima-Feb 12
As major fuel stations in Myawaddy Township, Karen State, continue to limit fuel sales per vehicle, many residents are crossing the border into Mae Sot, Thailand, to purchase fuel, according to local sources. Since 7 February, fuel stations in Myawaddy have reportedly been selling only 30,000 Myanmar kyats’ worth of fuel per vehicle. Some larger stations operate only during specific hours, while smaller stations have shut down completely due to a lack of fuel supply. “Fuel stations sell around 30,000 kyats per vehicle using a waiting system. Sales are conducted at designated times, and when fuel runs out, purchases stop. A black market for smuggled fuel has also emerged, where fuel is sold by the barrel. A barrel of fuel, containing over 200 liters, is reportedly priced at approximately 2,350,000 kyats (18,000 Thai Baht), according to residents. Reports indicate that some vehicles from Myawaddy crossed the border two or three times per day until 9 February. However, local news agency Myawaddy-Mae Sot Media reported that authorities have now imposed a restriction allowing only one border crossing per vehicle. Citing official border records, Myawaddy-Mae Sot Media reported that on 9 February alone, approximately 1,200 vehicles crossed into Mae Sot to purchase fuel.
Meanwhile, Thai authorities have intensified efforts to curb illegal fuel transportation from Thailand’s Tak Province into Myanmar. On 9 February, the Thai military seized 26,021 liters of petrol and 114,837 liters of diesel being transported by a pickup truck at a military checkpoint in Mae Lamao, Tak province. Additionally, on the evening of 8 February, Thai authorities confiscated 600 liters of fuel intended for transport to Myanmar via Phop Phra Township. Further, on the evening of 9 February, Thai officials in Kanchanaburi province seized a Toyota vehicle carrying 290 litres of diesel that was enroute to Myanmar near Payathonzu, another border town where Thailand has recently cut off fuel and electricity supplies. On 7 February, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Phumtham Wechayachai, announced that Thailand would suspend fuel exports to Tachilek, Myawaddy, and Payathonzu for six months. Similarly, on 8 February, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra told local media that Thailand must prioritize its own national interests, adding that she expects Myanmar to take similar measures for its people. Read more at: https://eng.mizzima.com/2025/02/12/19118#google_vignette
