By Ma Ma - Jun 05, 2024

Buyers say that the price of palm oil sold outside retail is as high as 12,000 kyats per peik thar (1.63kg). The current price has continued to rise from the price of 7,000 kyats per peik thar (1.63kg) in Thingyan (April).

Currently, palm oil is difficult to purchase and there are reports that there is a shortage.

The people said that the fuel cards that are taken out with the quota are not available regularly.

“I had to pay 1,200 kyats for 10 kyat thar (0.163kg). I have to go to market as it is not available in the nearby family shop,” said a palm oil buyer on June 5.

The palm oil which is the essential kitchen product is sold by quota and the official price is still below 6,000 kyats.

“We can buy twice a week before but since the last week it become just one time per week. We haven’t bought for this week. I heard there is a palm oil shortage and it is not convenient for us to buy with 12,000 kyats per peik thar,” said a house wife.

Palm oil is allowed to be purchased at the rate of 50 kyat thars per household. The warden issue oil cards and people receive the cards every week in some neighborhoods but most of them do not have enough.

“They casually investigated with civilian dress. A shopkeeper was found selling palm oil and the whole market have to sign to not sell it again. They sent those who sell again will be prisoned and the shop will be sealed,” said a shopkeeper who is running a shop in the municipal market.

The official palm oil price is 5,345 kyats per peik thar but the outside price is costing more than two times of it.