The economic crisis in El Obeid, the capital of Sudan's North Kordofan, is deepening as fuel shortages, inadequate drinking water supplies, and soaring prices of essential goods worsen living conditions. Petrol costs over SDG 30,000 per litre, disrupting transport and forcing residents to travel on foot. The ongoing war and attacks on fuel stations and vital infrastructure are intensifying the economic and livelihood crises.
Resident Hassan Ibrahim Hassan described the hardship facing El Obeid's population, where fuel shortages, inadequate drinking water supplies, and rising prices of essential goods have created an overwhelming burden. The fuel crisis is particularly severe, with petrol prices exceeding SDG 30,000 per litre and diesel above SDG 35,000 per litre. A gallon now costs over SDG 120,000 for petrol and SDG 140,000 for diesel.
The shortages have directly impacted transport and commercial activity, disrupting public transport services and forcing residents to travel on foot. The price of milk has risen to over SDG 12,000 per litre. Drinking water supplies have also been affected, with the efficiency of the northern and southern water stations declining. Residents are resorting to salty water, unsuitable even for washing clothes or bathing.
Despite its poor quality, the price of salty water has exceeded SDG 500 per litre, with four litres costing between SDG 1,500 and SDG 2,000. Bread prices have also risen sharply, with two small loaves, each weighing less than 40 grammes, now costing SDG 1,000. This consumes a substantial proportion of the modest salaries earned by government employees, with the highest government salary not exceeding SDG 150,000.
Prices of other essential commodities, including maize, millet, and meat, have reached record levels, putting them beyond the reach of many wage earners. A keila of millet now costs over SDG 160,000, while a kilogramme of meat exceeds SDG 50,000. These hardships are compounded by insufficient rainfall and the accumulated effects of the seasonal autumn crises.
The economic and humanitarian situation in El Obeid is raising fears of a severe catastrophe for its residents, already bearing the brunt of war and soaring living costs. The situation is expected to worsen if the conflict and economic crisis continue. Residents are struggling to meet their basic needs, with many facing extreme hardship.
The crisis in El Obeid is a reflection of the broader economic challenges facing Sudan, where the ongoing war has disrupted economic activity and led to a sharp decline in living standards. The situation requires urgent attention from authorities and humanitarian organizations to mitigate the suffering of residents and provide relief to those affected.
Key points
- Fuel shortages and soaring prices of essential goods are worsening living conditions in El Obeid.
- The economic crisis is deepening due to the ongoing war and attacks on fuel stations and vital infrastructure.
- Residents are struggling to meet their basic needs, with many facing extreme hardship.
