Increased taxation on coal has doubled the price of charcoal in the local market in Chin state in Burma from early this month.

"Since the forest department increased charges on charcoal, the price was raised by local coal sellers," a charcoal seller in Falam town in northern Chin state said.

The price of charcoal has soared from Kyat 10,000 (around US dollar 8) to Kyat 20,000 (US dollar 17) per bag (100 kilograms a bag) in Falam town in Chin state following the levy collected by the forest department. 

The forest department in Falam town is said to have increased tax on charcoal to Kyat 120,000 (US dollar 100) from Kyat 50,000 (US dollar 42).

The quantum of forest duty proposed to be allocated to Central Forest Ministry this year is higher than before. There is a drive on to collect increased taxes on coal and other forest products, according to an official from the forest department in Chin state.

The price hike in charcoal has affected local business and public services in Falam town.

"The price hike on charcoal has also affected the life of the people here as most restaurants, teashops, hospitals and other public offices use charcoal as fuel for cooking and other things," he said.

In Chin state, most people still rely on wood and charcoal as alternative fuel for domestic use because power supply in these areas is insufficient.