Once the highway opens, people expect the prices of basic goods to drop.

Pajau Media Channel

Since the Myitkyina to Mandalay highway has been opened since yesterday, the people of Myitkyina are expecting a reduction in the high prices of goods and fuel.

At present, a basic food item such as garlic costs Kyat 18,000 per viss, one egg (800 kyats) and one viss of eggplant costs 15,000 kyats while the average rate of one viss of fish is 16,000 kyats and one viss of chillies is 15,000 kyats.

The prices of goods in the city have not decreased until this morning.

"In the meantime, I won't buy tomatoes anymore. 1 viss of tomatoes costs 15,000 kyats. Have to pay 2,000 kyats to get only 3 Garlics, and I can't afford anything. I have to eat enough," said a housewife who lives in Injandong.

Locals are grumbling because the daily price of goods has risen steadily and has not decreased, and they want the fuel shortage to be resolved as soon as possible.

"Not to mention the increase in oil prices, we can't even buy fuel to sell daily commodities around the town with my motorcycle, so we have to work hard to make it to the market every day," said a small-scale local retailer who has been selling daily commodities with her motorcycle.

Basic goods such as garlics, tomatoes, eggs, and frozen fish are not available these days, so the price has reached to the highest level.

As of this morning, the prices went up to 3,000 to 4,000 kyats for 1 liter of 92 gasoline. They are selling at 5,000 kyats per liter in small roadside gas stations in the neighborhood. It is reported that many gas stations no longer sell gasoline.