A severe fuel shortage in the western part of Pai Khun (Pekon) Township, Shan State, is making it increasingly difficult for internally displaced persons (IDPs) to access drinking water, according to local volunteers and residents.

IDPs sheltering in the area must travel around one and a half hours by vehicle to collect drinking water. However, the scarcity and rising price of fuel have severely disrupted transportation efforts.

A volunteer assisting displaced families told SHAN that the worsening fuel crisis has forced aid workers to scale back water distribution activities.

“Because fuel is so scarce, it’s no longer feasible for us to transport water for IDPs as we used to. We’ve had to suspend our water donation activities and can now only provide assistance to areas where the need for water is absolutely critical,” the volunteer said.

Local sources estimate that more than 6,000 IDPs are currently sheltering in the western part of Pai Khun Township after being displaced by armed conflict.

According to a source monitoring the local situation, fuel prices have surged to around 25,000 Kyats per gallon, while supplies remain extremely limited. Diesel fuel is reportedly no longer available in the area.

“A gallon of diesel costs around 25,000 Kyats here, but the real problem is that it’s simply unavailable. The difficulties are immense. Transporting both food and drinking water has become incredibly challenging,” the source said.

The displaced population fled their homes in November 2025 following clashes between joint forces of the military council and the Pa-O National Organization (PNO) and the Karenni revolutionary alliance in the region.

Aid workers warn that if fuel shortages persist, the humanitarian situation could worsen rapidly, as access to clean water, food supplies, and essential services becomes increasingly limited for displaced communities.