A recent survey of the market in Agok in South Sudan’s Northern Bahr al Ghazal state found fuel shortages and major price increases.
Commodity prices rose an average of 94% compared to a month ago. The price of maize increased by 100%, sorghum prices increased by 80%, and salt jumped up by 364%.
The survey team said it was “alarmed” by the price increases because this time of year normally experiences price declines.
The surveyors attributed the increases to restrictions of goods from Sudan. They said Sudanese traders who once passed through Aweil and Warawara have stopped traveling to Agok.
Impassable roads and fuel shortages may also be to blame for the high cost of basic goods, the surveyors said.