Towns in conflict-hit Rakhine State grappling with rice shortages

Mizzima
Residents report that certain townships in Rakhine State are currently grappling with food shortage
Towns like Pauktaw, Ponnagyun, and Kyauktaw find themselves in a precarious situation with limited rice supplies, and in Maungdaw, rice has become so scarce that it is no longer available for purchase, according to residents.
A resident of Maungdaw said, “We have completely run out of rice, and even the local stores are depleted. Our food supplies are exhausted, and we are unable to afford eggs. We have been unable to purchase basic necessities for several days now.”
In recent days, the available food in Maungdaw has been sold at significantly inflated prices, with the cost of a bag of Paw San Hmwe (Myanmar rice) rising from over 100,000 Kyats to 220,000 Kyats. Similarly, the price of a viss (approx. 1.63kg) of palm oil surged from 8,000 Kyat to 20,000 Kyat, and the cost of an egg escalated from 250 to 900 Kyats. However, as of 30 November, these essential items are no longer available, even at such inflated prices.
In neighbouring Pauktaw Town, where there is heavy fighting between the Arakan Army (AA) and the junta, residents are grappling with a shortage of rice and consuming less rice, according to an official from the Pauktaw Town Social Assistance Association.
“Rice has become increasingly scarce, and virtually all essential food items are in short supply,” he said. “With road closures preventing us from shopping in Sittwe, our rice consumption has decreased significantly. Some are foraging for vegetables to supplement their meals. Due to insufficient food, some are forced to eat very modest portions without any curry. The lack of telecommunications has compelled us to climb the mountain for connectivity.”
According to some Pauktaw residents, the rice shortages may be due to a lack of fuel availability. Not only does this make it harder to transport rice, it also means that farmers are unable to plough their fields and plant rice.
The Pauktw residents said that the situation is being made worse because the junta has been blockading town entrances preventing the movement of food and commodities in and out of towns, which could lead to civilians starving.
Many people go to Sittwe to buy basic commodities and food items as it is the largest town in the area. But now, because of fuel shortages, it is much harder for people to get to Sittwe and even if they can get there they might be unable to enter the town as the junta are blockading the entrances to Sittwe.
The junta also exacerbated food shortages in Rakhine State by closing roads and rivers to transport from 13 to 30 November.
The AA started a new offensive in Rakhine State on 13 November and there are an increasing number of conflicts between the AA and the junta in Pauktaw and Paletwa township.
Image: NYUNT WIN (Photo – EPA)