The aftermath of a military coup in Burma has resulted in a sharp rise in fuel prices, making it difficult for the garment industry to continue operating.
The power supply in Rangoon is out, and it only comes back for up to six hours in some places.
As a result, the garment industry has struggled to survive due to rising oil prices and the issue of prolonged power outages.
A company that produces clothing and employs thousands of people stated: Numerous reports have indicated that some of them will be unable to stand on their own. It is evident in practice. We have no choice but to use generators because we have less electricity. I must utilize it. On the other hand, the rising cost of oil is not a topic of contention for me right now. because it is just like everyone else. To save space where you can save, you only need to save what you need to. There are still orders. However, the worker’s salary is our source of income. Burning that money for fuel is not a good idea. Therefore, moving forward will be difficult if diesel and electricity continue concurrently, he told DVB.
In a similar vein, a company that produces clothing and employs hundreds of people stated, “We have to buy diesel and run our own business because the fire is not right.” Diesel is currently expensive, which is a problem. We are requesting applications from the Garment Association for a special price because of this. I have no idea how it will occur. Additionally, we have submitted an application. This week. We are buying at the outside price right now, and the machines are working. The current availability of electricity ranges from four to six hours per day. From the 12th to the 18th, the power may be cut off, according to rumors. When the power comes back on, we don’t know how long we’ll have.
prior to the 2021 military coup in Burma. The majority of garment workers in Burma’s garment industry were young women supporting rural families as of February 1.
On the other hand, according to the International Labor Organization (ILO), more than 250,000 jobs were lost in the first half of the military coup, and more than half of those who were still employed faced layoffs.
