NAYPYIDAW: President U Min Aung Hlaing has called on the public to support the government's fuel conservation measures, including the odd-even vehicle number plate system and the work-from-home scheme every Wednesday.
Speaking during his State of the Union address to the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw on July 31, marking the first 100 days of his administration, the President said the measures had significantly reduced fuel consumption.
"By implementing the odd-even vehicle system and the Wednesday work-from-home scheme, fuel consumption has been reduced by about 1.2 million gallons per day. This is equivalent to saving approximately US$7 million daily, US$210 million monthly, and more than US$1 billion in total so far. We would like the public to continue cooperating with these fuel-saving efforts," he said.
The President noted that global crude oil prices averaged around US$84 per barrel in 2024 and about US$72 per barrel in 2025, but climbed to approximately US$126 per barrel in 2026 following the conflict in the Middle East. The increase has raised operating costs for fuel-dependent businesses, while Myanmar spends around US$5 billion annually on fuel imports.
He said fuel conservation must therefore be adopted as a national policy to ease the country's import burden.
The President also said the government is expanding the railway sector to reduce reliance on fuel-intensive road transport. As part of its first 100-day plan, the government has upgraded the Yangon–Mandalay, Yangon–Mawlamyine and Yangon–Pyay railway lines. - EMG/ANN
