Soaring prices, water shortages deepen hardship in Port Sudan

Residents of Port Sudan are struggling to afford food and other essentials as prices continue to rise and drinking-water shortages add to the pressure on households. The increasing cost of basic goods is putting food and household necessities beyond the reach of many families. A housewife, Fawzia Jib Allah Bakhit, expressed her concerns about the rising prices, stating that residents wake up each morning worrying about how they will provide food for their families.

The cost of basic items has skyrocketed, with a pound of sugar now costing SDG 10,000, a quarter-kilogramme portion of meat SDG 6,000, and a kilogramme of potatoes SDG 12,000. Even staples like bread and drinking water have become expensive, with two pieces of bread costing SDG 1,000 and a pair of water containers selling for SDG 3,000. The prices of vegetables have also become increasingly unaffordable, with the cheapest salad costing SDG 15,000.

The price rises have left residents struggling to decide which necessities to prioritise. Many go to the markets intending to buy what their families need, but return with only a few items, insufficient to meet household requirements. Despite spending large sums, families can afford only small quantities of food and vegetables. This has resulted in a significant decrease in the overall well-being of residents.

The unavailability of some goods, even at inflated prices, has further exacerbated the situation. Residents are also suffering from a shortage of drinking water, with the SDG 3,000 charged for a pair of water containers insufficient to meet a family’s needs, particularly in households with children. This has added to the overall hardship faced by residents.

The rising cost of household essentials has also had a significant impact on residents. Cooking gas costs SDG 150,000, a bag of charcoal SDG 3,000, and a bar of soap SDG 5,000. A single egg costs SDG 1,700. These prices have made it difficult for residents to afford even the most basic necessities.

According to Bakhit, the situation has become so dire that residents are forced to make difficult choices between essential items. The soaring prices and water shortages have had a devastating impact on the daily lives of residents in Port Sudan. The situation requires immediate attention from authorities to alleviate the suffering of residents.

The crisis in Port Sudan highlights the need for urgent intervention to address the rising costs of basic goods and the shortage of drinking water. Residents are struggling to cope with the situation, and it is essential that authorities take steps to address these pressing issues. The situation remains a significant challenge for residents in Port Sudan.

Key points

• Residents of Port Sudan face rising costs of basic goods and drinking-water shortages.
• The prices of essential items, including food and household necessities, have skyrocketed.
• Authorities are urged to intervene to alleviate the suffering of residents.