As battles rage in Ann Town, rice prices have jumped to 300,000 kyats, making it hard for residents and displaced people to buy food. Many now rely on porridge to survive.

Before mid-October, a bag of rice in Ann Town cost about 90,000 to 100,000 Kyats. Now, locals say prices have shot up to between 270,000 and 300,000 Kyats per bag, putting it out of reach for many.

A woman who fled her home in Ann Township told Narinjara News that the rice shortage has tripled prices. Many can't afford rice anymore, so they're turning to porridge instead.

"Rice is for sale now, but prices are sky-high. A pyi of rice costs 12,500 Kyats. Both locals and rural folks who've run away face the same problem. Since we left, we displaced people have little food or clothes, and no one's helping. Now, many are eating porridge because they're starving," she said.

A local also shared their frustration, saying that people linked to the military are selling rice. Some sellers are heartless, insisting buyers must get a whole bag of rice, even if they can't afford it.

"Everyone's selling things at high prices. When we're all struggling, no one's helping each other. Now, people tied to the military are selling rice, but only if you buy a whole bag. So those who can't afford it are going hungry," said the resident.

In Ann Town, home to the Western Command, fierce fighting has been going on since mid-October between the Arakan Army (AA) and government forces.

As the fighting goes on, land and water routes have been shut down, stopping goods from coming into Ann Town. This has led to a rice shortage, causing prices to soar.

Besides trapped residents, Ann Town is also housing displaced people forced out by government troops. These people come from several villages in the area, including Sin Doe, Dai Gyi, Pel Padon, Kyauk Sa Kwe, and Mee Kyaung Chaung. They've had to seek safety in Ann Town.

Ann Town now has tens of thousands of residents and displaced people, all facing tough times as the crisis gets worse.