Myanmar's cash shortage casts shadow despite rise in activity

Central bank avoids printing more money, fearing kyat's fall and inflation

20210618 Myanmar Yangon market nitta

A consumer buying vegetables at a local market on June 15. People are gradually coming back for shopping and working, but continue concerning about cash shortage.

Nikkei staff writers

YANGON/BANGKOK -- Myanmar's cash shortage is continuing as banks toughen restrictions on withdrawals after February's coup d'etat resulted in runs on banks.

The shortage is unlikely to be resolved anytime soon, as the central bank is reluctant to increase the supply of cash, fearing the depreciation of the nation's currency, the kyat, and inflation. With employees and suppliers demanding payment in cash, more businesses are suffering.

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