Fighting is escalating over small-scale oil fields in central Myanmar as conflict in the Middle East drives up global fuel prices. Myanmar imports 90% of its fuel oil, leaving the country vulnerable to supply disruptions following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran. With prices nearly doubling since February, modest reserves in the central Magway region—nicknamed "Anyar Dubai"—have become a critical strategic prize in the ongoing civil war.
Pro-democracy rebels say they have controlled the oil fields in Myaing township since 2023, using the territory as a supply route and income source. However, air and drone strikes in the area this year have already surpassed the total recorded in 2025, according to a conflict monitor. In September, Myanmar's military claimed to have captured more than 865 oil wells during a monthlong operation across Myaing and neighboring Pakokku.
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