Import ban on rice in Kyaukphyu town leads to rice scarcity

Narinjara News, April 24, 2025 

The rice import ban in Kyaukphyu town, Rakhine State, has resulted in a rice shortage, while at the same time, individuals connected to the military are allegedly procuring rice from Yangon and selling it at elevated prices. 

A woman from Kyaukphyu stated, "Currently, rice cannot be transported from the countryside to the city anymore. We can no longer move from the outskirts to the city, or from the city to the villages. It is also challenging for everyday individuals, including those who work on a daily basis. Currently, only individuals connected to the military are offering the rice for sale. They are being sold at elevated prices. There are even individuals from grassroots movements who are in need."