“Suddenly, the prices of essential commodities have been increased and skyrocketed in Maungdaw since Dec. 1.”
 
A villager from Aley Than Kyaw reported that a 50 kg bag of rice now costs 18,000 kyat, but in November sold for 14,000 kyat. The same source said a kilo of dried chili costs 2,500 kyat, compared with previously costing 1,800 kyat. A kilo of onion used to cost 1,200 kyat but now goes for 1,500 kyat, and a kilo of fish is priced at between 2,000 to 3,000 kyat, even though last month it was 1,000 to 1,500 kyat. So far most of the other food items have not yet been affected.

The higher prices of fish are believed to be caused by authorities' decision to block Rohingya fishing boats in Maungdaw south from going the sea since Dec.1, claimed a local fisherman Salim (not his real name). The fishermen were not given an official explanation.
 
Rice and onions have increased due to exports to Bangladesh, claimed market sources. About 175 metric tons of rice was exported from Maungdaw through Teknaf on Nov. 23.

Hasan, a Teknaf trader, confirmed the information with Kaladan Press Network adding that the rice was exported to Bangladesh by Bismillah and Sayed enterprises.
 
The government is to blame for not regulating the prices of essential food items for the common people, said an anonymous elder from Maungdaw.