Diesel Prices in This Asian Country Surge to Rp51,000 per Litre, Food Crisis Looms
A fuel crisis in Myanmar is worsening the local economy and threatening food security. The shortage of diesel is making it difficult for farmers to harvest rice, while urban residents must queue for up to six hours to obtain fuel.
Amid the crucial rice harvest season, many fields remain unharvested on time due to limited fuel supplies for operating agricultural machinery. The situation is becoming increasingly urgent as the rainy season is expected to begin in May.
One farmer stated that much of the harvest has already passed its optimal time and risks being damaged if the weather worsens. “Many harvests are now overdue. If floodwaters rise or the weather deteriorates, it will be far more devastating for us,” the farmer said, as quoted from Channel News Asia on Wednesday, 29 April 2026.
He added that manual harvesting is not a viable solution either, as farmers still need fuel to run rice threshing machines. “Even if we could, the fuel isn’t available. It’s almost impossible to find it,” he said.
He further noted that small farmers are the most affected, as access to fuel is harder for them compared to those with greater capital. “Those with money can use connections to get what they need, but farmers like us suffer the most,” he continued.
Reports indicate that fuel prices on the black market have risen to around 12,000 kyat per litre, or about US$3, equivalent to Rp51,000 per litre assuming an exchange rate of Rp17,000 per US dollar. This is more than double the official price at petrol stations.
This situation puts many farmers at risk of crop failure. Most rely on loans to finance planting processes, from purchasing fertiliser and renting equipment to milling the harvest. If yields decrease, debt burdens will become heavier.
The impact is also felt by agricultural labourers in the Ayeyarwady Delta region, one of Myanmar’s main rice production centres. Many migrant workers are losing jobs due to the slowed harvest process.
The fuel crisis is also evident in major cities. In Yangon, drivers must queue for up to six hours at petrol stations. Some filling stations are reportedly completely out of stock, forcing residents to buy from the black market.