Audio Overview🔊
1.The State’s Fuel Distribution Crisis and its Impact on Socio-Economic Stability
Mon In the period following the military coup, Mon State transitioned its fuel distribution system from Yangon (Thilawa Port) to Puma International Port Terminal (Yaza Min Port) in Mudon Township, in a decentralized import approach.[1] This system change, coupled with insufficient fuel supplies, illegal exports to border areas, and administrative weaknesses, has led to fuel shortages and price increases. Despite the military council’s Ministry of Energy stating that it would distribute fuel at affordable prices, the complete lack of effective oversight on the ground and the delay in implementing even the State Chief Minister’s directives for up to two weeks[2] highlight a significant decline in administrative efficiency.
From a socio-economic perspective, this crisis has severely impacted the lives of local people. Fuel prices have risen to over 5,000 to 6,000 kyats per liter,[3] significantly increasing the operating costs of the local economy, including transportation and agriculture, according to local news sources. Frequent fuel shortages and sales restrictions also mean that time spent queuing for fuel impacts income-earning opportunities. Service businesses that rely on vehicles and motorcycles (e.g., taxis), as well as businesses that require fuel-powered machinery, are finding it difficult to continue operating. These situations have resulted in significant socio-economic impacts on the livelihoods of local people. Furthermore, the public faces social hardships, including waiting up to four days for fuel and enduring long lines up of vehicles at refueling stations,[4] which consequently impacts income-earning time and contributes to increased social tensions.
In conclusion, the fuel problem in Mon State reveals significant gaps between policy and practical implementation. Ineffective governance mechanisms and administrative failures are major factors directly impacting the economic security and daily stability of local people.[5]
2.Agricultural Sector Losses Due to Restrictions on Rice Transportation
Farmers in Mon State, where monsoon rice is a major product, are suffering immense losses due to low prices, which has become a major crisis.
- The Root Cause of the Crisis
The crisis stems from the fact that buyers and merchants of paddy have ceased purchases because the costs of transportation and rice prices are no longer aligned, due to restrictions, arrests, and excessive demands for money by the military commission’s subordinates on inter-township rice transportation.
- Economic Pressures Faced by Farmers
Due to the cessation of purchases, farmers are facing severe economic pressures. These include having to stockpile their harvested paddy, being unable to sell their rice to cover harvesting and other expenses without being able to sell the rice.[6]
- The Gap Between Policy and Reality
The leader of the Military Commission publicly blamed farmers for a low agricultural yield, claiming the country lost $8 billion [2]. However, the reality on the ground is that the government has failed to address the difficulties farmers face in selling their crops, which are a result of the undisciplined actions of the commission’s subordinates. This situation clearly highlights a serious administrative flaw.
Restrictions on rice transportation have blocked trade routes, and fuel shortages have further increased the operating costs of transportation and other businesses, further impacting the rice business. In addition to rice prices and fuel issues, the stability of rural areas is also facing challenges.
- Security Instability Impact on Local Business: According to sources, the intrusion of military council columns into villages in the Kyaikmayaw area has caused concern and security instability among local residents.[7] This situation raises concerns about security challenges for businesses to operate and for farmers to carry out their agricultural activities.
Overall, Mon State in November 2025 is facing simultaneous challenges due to the military council’s administrative deficiencies (restrictions on rice transportation), shortages of basic necessities (fuel), and security concerns. This clearly indicates that the agricultural-based economic security and the daily lives of local people are in a state of crisis.
Deteriorating Internet Situation During Military Rule[8]
Since late October 2025, Mon State has been experiencing significant issues with slow and disrupted internet connections. This has noticeably impacted the region’s economy and education sectors, which rely on digital systems.
- Impact on Digital Economy – Decline in Direct Sales and Business Interruption:
- Online vendors face difficulties broadcasting live sales and receiving buyers’ messages (audio/images), leading to interrupted transactions, decreased sales, and reduced profits. Some businesses have even had to temporarily shut down.
- Due to the internet connectivity being weak at night that a VPN connection can barely be established, essential business tools such as Facebook and Business Suite can no longer be used.
- Loss of Alternatives: The disruption of all major internet service providers (ISPs) (MBT, U9FTTH, Myanmar Net, Mytel, 5BB, etc.) creates a situation where it is impossible for business owners to switch to and rely on another service.
- Impact on Digital Education – Online Learning Disruption:
- Internet outages have completely halted the work and education of those offering and attending online courses.
- Waiting for a long time for a strong connection or not getting it at all, even for essential Google Workspace Tools for teaching and Zoom joining, has impacted educational outcomes and wasted time and resources.
The deteriorating internet situation during military rule is likely not just a temporary technical problem like cable cuts, but a structural problem caused by administrative policy and weak technology investment. This situation will have a major long-term impact on the digital economy and social progress of the entire country, including Mon State, and demonstrates that Myanmar is lagging behind its neighboring countries in terms of technology.
[1] Independent Mon News Agency, 11-November-25, Mon Chief Minister says action will be taken if fuel is not sold at the set price, Link
[2] Dawei Watch, 12-Nov-25, Fuel is being bought for over 5,000 kyats per liter in Mon, Link
[3] Independent Mon News Agency, 11-November-25, Mon Chief Minister says action will be taken if fuel is not sold at the set price, Link
[4] Independent Mon News Agency, November 11, 2025, Mon Chief Minister says action will be taken if fuel is not sold at the set price, Link
[5] Than Lwin Times, 10-Nov-25, Fuel shortages worsen in Mon State, link
6/[7] Thanlwin Times 8-Nov-2025: Farmers in Mon State are suffering extreme losses due to low prices for monsoon rice., Link
[8] Independent Mon News Agency 11-Nov-25 Home Wifi internet line slowdown causes difficulties for online business and course attendees, Link
