The prices of imported goods have increased in Arakan State following the military coup on February 1st in Myanmar. The rise in prices of basic foodstuffs and personal goods is due to the disruption in trade flows after the military coup according to businesspeople in Arakan State.

U Khin Maung Gyi, Vice-Chair of the Rakhine Economic Initiative Public Co., Ltd. (REIC) said: “The situation of commodity prices in Arakan State is unstable now. Due to the Civil Disobedience Movement, the flow of commodities has slowed down. In general the prices of some imported commodities have increased by around 20 per cent, 30 per cent and up to 50 per cent. It is required to cooperate with the relevant departments including Arakan State Chambers of Commerce, to deal with the prolonged rise in commodity prices. We have contacted other merchants for the convenience of consumers, if there is a shortage of commodities and price rises.”

U Tun Aung Oo, Chair of the Arakan State Chamber of Commerce said: “Arakan State Chamber of Commerce has a plan, if the prices go higher than the current prices there is a shortfall of commodities here when mass protests erupt.”

U Oo Kyaw Lin, a merchant from Sittwe Myoma Market said: “We cannot buy sufficient supplies of onion. There is a shortage of other commodities. There are delays in the transportation. Even the prices of chilies have increased day by day.”

Due to the current political situations, the prices of basic foodstuff including rice, personal goods and medicines have increased in Arakan State.