The economically weaker section of the people in Chin state, North-western Burma are in dire straits with prices of essential commodities skyrocketing. Many day-to-day necessities have become beyond reach of the common man.

Prices of essential commodities and transport costs began increasing in Chin state from the first week of November, leading to immense burden on the poorer section of the society. The price hike of essential commodities is directly linked to the massive increase in prices of fuel which in turn has also raised transportation costs.

“The cost of essential commodities and transportation have doubled from this month, though a partial increase has been in evidence for the past few months,” a trader told Khonumthung in Aizawl.

Transport fares have reportedly gone up as much as 20 percent in some routes while it has shot up to more than 50 percent in other routes. For instance, the transport fare from Tiou, a border village in Chin state, to Kalaymyo, Sagaing Division, have gone up from 8,000 kyats to 10,000 Kyats per commuter, while it has been hiked to 13,000 kyats from 6000 kyats between Hakha and Mandalay.

The increase in transportation costs has pushed up the prices of all essential commodities. For instance a bag of rice (100 kilograms approximately), which used to cost 7,000 kyats, has gone up to 13,000 kyats as of November.

“Because the cost of transportation and essential commodities are now so high, we have to find means for our survival and travel. Travelling for family entertainment and family visits need to be avoided as it has become expensive,” the trader continued.