Fuel prices in Zalingei, the capital of Central Darfur State, have experienced a significant surge. The cost of a gallon of petrol has skyrocketed from 12,000 Sudanese pounds to 23,000 pounds, while a gallon of gasoline has seen an increase from 12,000 pounds to 16,000 pounds.
This sharp rise has elicited frustration from some public transport drivers who perceive the situation as “exaggerated.”
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj Tuesday, Driver Jabir Mursal expressed concern, stating that the current fuel prices are excessive and that the existing ticket prices fail to cover the operational expenses for public vehicle owners.
Mursal attributes the current spike in fuel prices to the escalating diplomatic tensions between Sudan and neighbouring Chad. Chad has traditionally been the primary source of fuel imports for the Darfur region since the onset of the war.
While opinions among vehicle drivers may vary regarding the impact of the disputes on trade exchange, the prevailing indicators and citizens’ expectations unmistakably highlight the severity of the repercussions stemming from the strained relationship between the two countries on the living conditions of the population. In such crises, official trade channels are disrupted, and smuggling operations become active along the borders.
Siraj Gasim, the owner of a fuel store, highlighted the alarming fact that the price of a barrel of gasoline is nearing one million pounds. He emphasized that despite this exorbitant value, the indispensable nature of gasoline in the city suggests the possibility of prices reaching even more astronomical levels if the current scarcity factors persist. The disruption of imports from neighbouring Chad is a significant contributing factor to this situation.
Zakaria Ibrahim, working in Zalingei market, pointed out that despite the already high cost of travel tickets to neighbouring cities, this amount still falls short of covering the expenses associated with fuel for vehicle owners. This predicament poses potential losses for commercial vehicle drivers if fuel prices continue their rapid ascent.
A glance at the state of both vehicle drivers and travellers underscores the widespread concern. The substantial fuel costs are directly impacting travel ticket prices to and from areas surrounding the city of Zalingei, particularly Nyala, where the travel ticket has surged to 30,000 pounds, and El Geneina, with a travel cost of 25,000 pounds.
This situation has resulted in a buildup of a large number of vehicles in public parking lots, awaiting travellers whose numbers are dwindling due to the escalating travel expenses.
The unprecedented spike in fuel prices poses a significant threat to the upcoming winter agricultural season. This season heavily relies on fuel for farm irrigation operations, and the current situation threatens disastrous consequences for the irrigated agricultural season, which spans over six months.
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