Long queues form as vehicles line up for fuel in Yangon

Some vehicle owners in Yangon say they are being forced to wait in long queues to purchase fuel following recent price increases.

“The line for fuel stretches around the entire neighborhood, with at least a few hundred cars,” said a resident who queued at a petrol station in North Dagon Township.

Drivers also reported that, in some cases, fuel runs out before their turn arrives.

“I started queuing at 6:30 am, but it took more than an hour and a half just to reach near the station. Even then, it wasn’t my turn. I had to circle around the neighborhood despite being able to see the station, and I only managed to refuel after 11:30 am,” said one vehicle owner.

Another driver said fuel availability appears to have declined since prices rose, contributing to the long lines.

“The current fuel quotas are not enough, especially for business vehicles. Even under the odd-even driving system, people have to carefully calculate their fuel usage. If they need to travel farther, they must plan even more. Some spend half a day just queuing for fuel, which takes more time than their actual work,” the driver said.

In a social media post, U Ye Htut described his experience: “I left home at 6 am to buy fuel at the SPC station at the corner of Pyay Road and Shin Saw Pu Road. The queue started as far back as the corner of Pyay Road and Ahlone Road. I reached the front near 7:55 am but still couldn’t refuel and had to continue circling around Myay Ni Gone. The destination is near, but the journey feels far. The fuel queue is as long as life itself.”

Gasoline prices have risen by over 700 to 900 kyats per litre, while diesel prices have increased by more than 1,000 kyats per litre, according to the prices of the Fuel Oil Import, Storage and Distribution Supervisory Committee.

Fuel prices are revised weekly, usually on Fridays.

On March 20, the committee announced that fuel prices in Yangon were set at 3,610 kyats per litre for 92 Ron, 3,850 kyats per litre for 95 Ron, 4,390 kyats per litre for diesel and 4,820 kyats per litre for premium diesel.

Global oil prices have fluctuated due to conflicts in the Middle East, which has also affected domestic fuel prices.

Likewise, amid the ongoing oil crisis, many countries around the world are taking measures to reduce fuel consumption.