Countries: Myanmar, Thailand Source: World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. Overview The escalation of the US–Israel conflict with Iran on February 28, triggered severe global energy market disruptions, including the temporary closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This removed an estimated 20% of global oil supply, driving international prices up by more than 50%. As Myanmar relies on imports for 90% of its fuel, the shock has resulted in acute shortages, widespread rationing, and significant disruptions to transport and market systems. Since the beginning of March 2026, long queues formed at fuel stations across Myanmar as prices rose sharply and shortages emerged in many areas. The military council announced that the country has approximately 50 days of strategic fuel reserves and that 16 additional fuel tankers are expected to arrive soon. Nonetheless, public concern remains high. Starting March 7, authorities introduced refueling restrictions in many cities: vehicles with even and odd license plate numbers may purchase fuel only on designated days. In major cities such as Yangon, Mandalay, and Naypyidaw, very long queues were reported from March 4 onward. Many stations either halted sales entirely due to shortages or limited customers to small daily allocations. As a result of these unofficial restrictions, black‐market fuel prices have risen noticeably.
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