Putao Sees Tomato Prices Soar to K1,000 Each as Goods Flow Halts

In Putao, due to the halt in goods flow, tomatoes are being bought for up to 1,000 kyats each

July 4

In Putao, Kachin State, due to the halt in goods flow, tomatoes are being bought for up to 1,000 kyats each, and other consumer goods are also rising in price, according to reports.

Heavy rains in the past June and July damaged sections of the Myitkyina-Putao road, leaving cargo trucks stranded and temporarily suspending road access, it was reported.

Similarly, on the Mandalay-Myitkyina route, transport of goods faced various difficulties due to military situations, reducing the inflow of goods into Putao and causing prices to surge dramatically, according to sources.

"What's noticeable is that prices started rising more significantly around the end of July. If you buy 10,000 kyats worth of eggs, you only get 6 or 7 eggs now. A viss of tomatoes costs 20,000 kyats, whereas before it was only 9,000 to 10,000. Even buying loose, a small tomato costs 1,000 kyats," said a local resident.

Putao's essential food and consumer goods are imported from Myitkyina, over 200 miles away, and currently, due to road damage, goods flow is delayed, and the town is bearing the brunt of high prices, according to reports.

MyoTaw News Channel