Middle East crisis fuels crude oil conflict in Myanmar’s civil war

Myanmar's small-scale oil prospectors are caught in the crossfire of the ongoing civil war, with rebels and the military battling for control over a cottage industry that has become increasingly valuable amidst the Middle East energy crisis. Htun Aung, a 52-year-old worker, laments the dangers of their work, declaring, "As long as we work here, bad luck can kill us."

Myanmar relies heavily on oil imports, making it particularly vulnerable to supply disruptions caused by the US-Israeli war on Iran. The central region of Magway, dubbed "Anyar Dubai," is home to a hardscrabble industry of domestic prospectors operating crude oil wells that yield minimal quantities of crude oil. Despite earning only US$50 per week, these workers are drawn to the lucrative black gold trade.

As prices at Myanmar's petrol pumps have nearly doubled since late February, the underground "black gold" has become an increasingly coveted prize in the midst of war. Pro-democracy rebels claim control over oil fields in Magway's Myaing township since 2023, forcing them to constantly flee attacks from various sides. The rebels' struggle for survival echoes the broader civil war, which has claimed over 100,000 lives since the 2021 coup.

While major oil projects are under strict military control, artisanal fields are coveted by rebels due to their size and potential profitability.