Due to power outages, Wards and villages in Mrauk U are returning to using kerosene lanterns.
According to local reports, Aung Mingalar Ward, Yadanabon Ward, Sin Cha Seik Ywar Thit, Bilu Kan Ward, and Daingyi Ward are commonly use kerosene lanterns.
When electricity is no longer available for lighting, people are using kerosene lanterns because solar panels and battery systems are also quite expensive.
It is reported that the 50 W ‘TaTa’ solar panels can exceed 200,000 kyats, while a small battery used in motorcycles is priced at over 150,000 kyats. Additionally, an 80-volt battery costs more than 400,000 kyats.
Local who uses kerosene lanterns mentioned that in Mrauk-U, only wealthy families can buy solar panels and batteries to generate electricity and impoverished people only can use kerosene lanterns.
He said, “Those who can buy solar panels and batteries are doing fine. For those who can’t afford them, the prices of candles have also risen, so they’re just using the kerosene lanterns that their grandparents used.”
In the Iron box, a little Kerosene is added, and clothes are used as wicks to produce light.
In Mrauk-U, a liter of kerosene costs 10,000 kyats, and users of kerosene lanterns say that it can be used for about fifteen days.
He said, “It’s like going back to the time of my grandparents. At night, we used to light kerosene lanterns. We had to put a little kerosene in an iron box and put a piece of cloth as wicks and light the fire.”
Since there is no electricity, people have been using candles imported from the mainland. However, prices have increased significantly, so they can only rely on kerosene lanterns.
In Rakhine State, ongoing conflicts have obstructed trade and leading to a significant increase in commodity prices. As a result of these disruptions, the people are facing numerous difficulties.
Translated by Nga Lar Guage
