August 14, 2024

The ongoing fuel shortage in major cities across Myanmar, including Yangon, has left emergency vehicles and social assistance groups struggling to operate, according to recent reports. With fuel being sold in limited quantities at gas stations since early August, long queues have become the norm, with some people waiting nearly three hours to purchase fuel, which is being sold at black market prices of over 5,000 kyats per liter.

“The emergency vehicles have only a small amount of fuel left. If we don’t get donations soon, we’ll have to temporarily halt our operations,” said a spokesperson for the Sanchaung Township Auxiliary Fire Brigade.

The shortage has forced social assistance vehicles to wait in long lines at gas stations, delaying their ability to respond to emergencies.

“Some organizations that used to rely on local donations are now forced to solicit fuel from the public to keep their vehicles running. The situation is so dire that we’re unable to meet the demands in time,” said a member of a social assistance group in Thaketa Township, Yangon.

Additionally, the MNRO – Metta Nyunt Rescue Organization in Tamwe Township has also appealed to the public, asking for help only in critical medical emergencies due to the difficulties in obtaining fuel.