Goods Prices in Kachin Rise Sharply as Transport Costs Soar After Earthquake Damages Mandalay-Sagaing Bridges

April 19, 2025

Pajau Media

Following a strong earthquake that struck Mandalay and Sagaing regions, transport costs for goods from Mandalay to Myitkyina have surged dramatically, according to local sources in Myitkyina. As a result, prices of goods in Kachin have increased once again.

Before the earthquake, on March 28, the price of a carton bag and a bag of rice, which normally cost only 40,000 kyats each, has now risen to 65,000 kyats. Likewise, a large plastic carry bag, which used to cost 25,000 kyats, has now increased to 35,000 kyats.

The old Mandalay-Sagaing Bridge was destroyed by the quake, and the new bridge has also suffered cracks, leading authorities to ban cargo trucks from crossing either bridge. Currently, goods can only be transported by motorboat via waterways, further elevating costs.

Truck drivers report that due to these restrictions, transport fees have almost doubled, and the prices of goods are now 500 to 1,000 kyats higher than usual. Most food and consumer goods in Kachin State are transported from Mandalay.

 Reported by Htu Seng