A fuel crisis has hit Sudan's Wad Madani and Kassala, causing transport fares to skyrocket and leaving citizens struggling to get around. In Wad Madani, residents told Radio Dabanga that transport fares have increased to SDG 4,000 for large buses and SDG 8,000 for smaller vehicles. The prices tend to triple during peak hours and in the evening. The crisis has led to a shortage of operating vehicles, and long queues have formed at fuel stations.
The fuel shortage has also driven up the cost of fuel itself, with a gallon of gasoline selling for SDG 41,000 at official stations and up to SDG 65,000 on the black market. Some drivers have resorted to buying fuel at inflated prices, which has further increased transport costs. As a result, some private vehicle owners have been forced to stop driving due to the high cost and scarcity of fuel.
In Kassala, the situation is equally dire, with some private transport fares rising from SDG 15,000 to between SDG 50,000 and SDG 60,000. Citizens are facing long wait times at transport hubs, and many students and workers are struggling to get to school and work. The crisis has had a significant impact on daily life, with many calling for the government to intervene and provide relief.
A citizen from Kassala, Hemror Hussein, told Radio Dabanga that the city is facing a severe shortage of fuel, particularly gasoline. He attributed the crisis to poor organization and disorderly behavior at fuel stations. Hussein also noted that the high fuel prices are affecting the cost of goods and services, particularly for farmers and producers.
The fuel crisis has also had a ripple effect on the bread supply in Kassala, with the price of two loaves of bread rising to SDG 1,000. The weight of the bread has also decreased significantly, with loaves now weighing around 35-38 grams compared to 60-70 grams previously. Bakeries are struggling with the high cost of fuel for generators, which is exacerbating the crisis.
Hussein called on the government to exempt fuel from all customs duties and taxes to reduce prices. He also urged the authorities to implement recent decisions to ban the storage and trade of fuel outside official stations. Additionally, he advocated for stricter measures to prevent hoarding and black marketeering.
The fuel crisis in Wad Madani and Kassala highlights the need for urgent government intervention to address the shortages and stabilize transport fares. Key to resolving the crisis will be ensuring a steady supply of fuel and enforcing regulations to prevent price gouging and black marketeering.
Key points
- The fuel crisis has led to a significant increase in transport fares in Wad Madani and Kassala.
- The shortage of fuel has affected daily life, with many students and workers struggling to get to school and work.
- Citizens are calling for government intervention to address the crisis and provide relief.
