Sudan fuel crisis paralyzes transport and drives black market prices

Sudan is facing a severe fuel crisis that has brought transportation to a near standstill in Khartoum and several other states. The shortage of gasoline has led to the closure of many licensed filling stations, forcing residents to rely on a burgeoning parallel market where prices have reached record levels.

In the black market, fuel is being sold for approximately 60,000 Sudanese pounds (roughly $22) per gallon, while some operating stations are charging around 52,000 pounds ($19) per gallon. This price volatility and scarcity have caused long queues at stations and forced citizens to wait hours for public transport, significantly impacting the movement of goods, such as fruits and vegetables, and the ability of people to attend work.

Analysts attribute the crisis to the country's complex security and economic conditions, including the ongoing war, loss of state control over large territories, and the instability of foreign currency prices. The lack of regulatory oversight and the delay of imported shipments have further exacerbated the situation, placing immense pressure on households and the broader economy.