For Immediate Release
Joint Press release from Arakan Oil Watch and Burma Rivers Network
January 10, 2012

Last week Burma’s government doubled domestic electricity prices and increased fuel prices by a third despite earning billions of dollars in energy exports to neighboring countries.

The Ministry of Electric Power No.2 has defended the increases saying the government is losing money at current electricity rates and does not have enough money to expand electricity production for the entire country.

In fact, Burma is earning over 2 billion USD annually exporting its major natural gas and hydro electricity resources to China and Thailand as well as ensuring its future energy resources are also being exported with current pipelines and dams under construction.

Due to exchange rate manipulation and lack of transparency, the real income from these exports has not been disclosed in government or military accounts and it is unclear whether these funds are now inside Burma or in offshore bank accounts.

Thu Rein of the Arakan Oil Watch stated, “There is no need to double electricity prices to balance the energy budget if the government used the gas and hydro power export revenues transparently and accountably with a proper management system.”

Sai Sai of the Burma Rivers Network said, “We strongly urge the government to release all information on energy projects in Burma, including revenues and detailed impacts. These projects should be benefiting the people of Burma, not harming them for the profit of corrupt leaders.”  


BRN Contact:   Sai Sai    (+66) (0) 884154386,  
AOW Contact: Thu Rein (+66) (0) 881571328

www.burmariversnetwork.org,
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www.arakanoilwatch.org
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