Hpakant region sees soaring prices and acute shortages of goods

Parjau Media

July 24, 2025

Due to military tensions between both armed groups in the Hpakant region of Kachin State, trade routes for goods in and out of the area have been blocked, resulting in shortages and difficulties for local residents.

The price of meat and fish has surged to around 100,000 kyats per viss, while other vegetable prices have also sharply increased compared to before.

A resident from Lone Khin said, “The prices for meat and fish are around 100,000 kyats per viss, but you can’t even find them in the market anymore, so we’re just fishing in the local creeks and eating that. As for the market, a single egg costs 1,500 kyats, eggplant 30,000 kyats per viss, chili 40,000 kyats per viss, and betel leaf up to 300,000 kyats per viss, it’s unaffordable. You can’t even find meat or fish in the market now,” he told Pajau Media.

A rice shop owner also said, “Even though rice prices have increased, we’re almost out of stock, I don’t even know what I can sell anymore. We only have pre-ordered stock left. The roads are being blocked by one group on this side and the other group on the other side, so it’s us, the local people, who end up suffering,” referring to how blockades due to ongoing clashes have led to shortages of goods.

It has now been about ten days since goods have become scarce in Hpakant town, causing local residents to worry not just about the ongoing conflict but also about daily survival, resulting in significant hardships.

News- Andy