Severe electricity ‘shortages’ are slowing down productivity and citizens in several large cities across Burma following national by-elections.

Electrical cuts are common in the country; however, in 2011 major cities experienced few cuts.

“The situation is quite bad in Rangoon – we have no electricity – so no water and we can’t cook either,” said a resident from the country’s commercial capital.

According to the resident who asked not to be named, a recent announcement said daily, six-hour cuts would be regularly occurring.

“[It’s] got even worse after the NLD won in the polls,” said the resident.

Meanwhile, people in Mandalay are struggling to weather through the shortages and are relying on generators, car batteries and candles for energy. Hospitals and publishing houses are struggling to function reported one resident.

“There was no electricity shortage until about two months before the by-elections and then it got worse again. And since we are right in [middle of] the summer, it’s been quite hard for the people,” said the resident in Mandalay.

Rangoon’s Electricity Supply Board said the power cuts are due to gas shortages. As the country faces constant energy shortages, the majority of the country’s natural gas is continuing to be sold to neighbouring countries.