By Hlaing / MPA
Yangon, Myanmar – Myanmar is facing a severe fuel crisis as Middle Eastern conflicts and regional border closures force the country into a state of desperate rationing, reminiscent of the “Socialist-era” shortages of decades past.
From the commercial hub of Yangon to the military stronghold of Naypyidaw, long queues of vehicles have become a permanent fixture at petrol stations. The crisis intensified this week following a directive from the military council mandating an “odd-even” license plate system. Starting March 7, private and commercial vehicles will only be permitted to drive on alternating days to conserve dwindling supplies.
For many citizens, the current situation evokes painful memories of the 1970s and 80s, when Myanmar’s isolationist economy led to extreme scarcity.
“When I was young, we had to queue until midnight just for a single gallon of petrol,” a 30-year-old resident of Meiktila told MPA. “People are already fighting in line, and bikes are being stolen. We are terrified of returning to that era of black markets and desperation.”
The human cost is already becoming apparent. In Yangon, residents report being unable to attend to family emergencies because they are trapped in fuel lines for hours, or even days. As petrol becomes a luxury, the price of alternative transport—including bicycles—has reportedly skyrocketed, leaving many with no choice but to walk.
The shortage is being exacerbated by a double blow to Myanmar’s supply chains. On March 3, Thailand reportedly suspended fuel exports to Myanmar, cutting off a vital lifeline for border regions in Kayah, Karen, and Shan States.
Simultaneously, internal conflict between ethnic armed groups in Northern Shan State has choked off remaining trade routes from China. In Kutkai, a town under the control of the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), residents are facing a total blackout of essential goods.
“The Kokang groups have effectively blocked the routes into Ta’ang areas,” a local truck driver explained. “Whether it’s fuel, medicine, or food—nothing is getting through. What started as an armed conflict is now turning into a humanitarian disaster for civilians.”
Despite the visible chaos, the military authorities have attempted to downplay the severity of the shortage. On March 3, the Petroleum Product Regulatory Department told local media that fuel stocks remain “sufficient” and that distributions to stations are continuing as normal.
However, the introduction of the odd-even driving rule and the sight of shuttered stations in border towns suggest a different reality. Analysts warn that if the Middle Eastern instability continues to affect global oil prices and regional borders remain closed, Myanmar’s already fragile economy could face a total standstill.
