Myanmar Spring Chronicle – January 6
MoeMaKa, January 7, 2025
Myanmar Faces Severe Electricity Shortages
Myanmar is experiencing its worst electricity shortage in over a decade, affecting Yangon, the country’s most populous and economically significant city. Industries such as garment factories, large-scale enterprises, and small businesses like printing shops, photocopy services, and workshops are struggling to operate. The situation is even worse for households that lack sufficient electricity for basic needs like pumping water, cooking, or charging communication devices.
Since the military coup, the country’s electricity production capacity has significantly declined, reaching its lowest point in the past four years. This decline began shortly after the coup, with reduced natural gas production and the suspension of electricity purchases from private power plants. Additionally, power lines and transmission towers have been targeted in armed conflicts, causing further disruptions to the power supply. The post-monsoon period has exacerbated these challenges, leading to an even more critical situation at the start of the year.
Amid ongoing armed conflicts, which have destroyed towns, villages, and homes, and taken countless lives, the lack of electricity may seem minor. However, in some ethnic regions, entire states are nearly devoid of electricity. Many residents have been forced to leave their homes for years, seeking refuge in camps, monasteries, or schools. Compared to these conditions, the electricity shortages in cities like Yangon and Mandalay may appear less severe.
Factors Behind the Power Shortage
After the coup, military spending reportedly led to reduced electricity production. Declining natural gas output along the Tanintharyi coastline and the increased demand for foreign currency to purchase military weapons also impacted electricity production. The government ceased purchasing power from private companies that had previously supplied electricity to the national grid. Additionally, transmission towers used for hydropower distribution have been destroyed in armed conflicts, and the junta has been unable to repair them in conflict-affected areas.
Comparison to Other Conflict Zones
This scenario mirrors the situation in conflict-ridden countries like Syria. Reports from Syria’s decade-long civil war described prolonged power outages in cities like Damascus, where households went years without electricity. Similarly, Myanmar’s military regime prioritizes maintaining its control over addressing the survival needs of its citizens. The regime focuses on sustaining its governance machinery, leaving the population to fend for themselves.
Life in Cities Amid Power Cuts
City residents continue to struggle, trying to survive in urban areas despite the escalating conflict. With limited electricity, previously used batteries and inverters no longer function effectively. Most families cannot afford generators or expensive solar systems.
Economic Implications
The severe electricity shortages are expected to drive up the prices of goods, exacerbating inflation, declining incomes, and rising costs of food and consumer products. These challenges will impose an additional burden on the population, already struggling under economic hardship.