Record Surge in Commodity Prices in Sudan Deepens the Suffering of Millions

Markets in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, and several other cities have witnessed a dramatic surge in commodity prices, at a time when the poverty rate has risen to 73 percent.

The Sudanese Importers Chamber revealed that market prices have experienced record increases averaging between 30 and 40 percent within just one month, following a government decision to ban the import of dozens of goods.

The Chamber held the government responsible for rising prices and the continued depreciation of the local currency.

It called on the government to immediately revoke the decision banning the import of a number of goods, arguing that the measure has failed to achieve its stated objectives of curbing the deterioration of the exchange rate. Instead, it has contributed to higher prices and reduced public revenues.

In late April, the Sudanese Council of Ministers issued a decision prohibiting the import of more than 40 goods classified as non-essential or luxury items, in an effort to control the sharp depreciation of the exchange rate in parallel markets, encourage local industries, and support the national economy.