general
Myanmar passengers turn to trains as fuel prices surge
Rising fuel costs amid the Middle East war and local shortages are pushing commuters onto crowded, ageing rail services between Yangon and Naypyidaw.
Mar 28th 2026 · Myanmar
Insights
- Trains between Yangon and Naypyidaw are crowded with travelers sharing food and resting in air conditioned carriages.
- A first class train ticket costs 19,000 kyats while the cheapest bus fares for the route start at 35,000 kyats.
- Diesel trains continue running as the state railway maintains its own fuel stocks.
- Trucks were seen queuing for fuel along the route, highlighting local shortages.
- Passengers wait on benches and sit on luggage at ageing stations as services fill up.
- Myanmar has been consumed by civil war since the 2021 military coup that ousted the elected government.