Myanmar monthly food price report – May 2026

Htar, May Thet; Minten, Bart; Masias, Ian

Myanmar monthly food price report – May 2026

Autores

Htar, May Thet

Minten, Bart

Masias, Ian

Editor

International Food Policy Research Institute

Descripción

Rice prices remained relatively stable in May 2026, increasing modestly by 2.2 percent year-on-year and 1.6 percent month-on-month. While national price movements were limited, substantial regional disparities persisted, reflecting differences in production conditions, market access, and transport costs. Most export crop prices showed limited month-on-month movements. Pulses price remained broadly stable, supported by continued demand from India and increased purchasing by traders and wholesalers. In contrast, maize prices continued to rise, driven by strong export demand ahead of the June closure of Thailand’s duty-free import window1 and improving cross-border trade opportunities. Vegetable prices showed mixed trends. Garlic prices continued to increase due to lower domestic production and reduced imported supply, while onion and chili prices recorded modest declines. Potato prices continued to fall amid increased inflows of lower-priced Chinese potatoes and weak domestic demand. Most animal-sourced food prices remained substantially higher than a year ago, led by mutton, beef, and fish. However, month-on-month price movements were generally modest, indicating stable market conditions across most livestock and fish products. The Iran conflict and partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt global oil and fertilizer trade. In Myanmar, fuel and urea fertilizer prices remain well above year-earlier levels — even as diesel prices moderated from their April peaks — eroding fertilizer profitability and prompting some farmers to cultivate smaller areas or reduce plowings. If sustained, these conditions point to lower monsoon-season agricultural production. Flood warnings have been issued in recent weeks for parts of the country. Moreover, a new El Niño phase is expected to develop within the coming weeks, increasing the risks of drought in Myanmar.