Food commodities have increased in Nimule in Eastern Equatoria while the cost of foreign exchange has also risen in the area, according to a local resident.

Speaking from the main market of Nimule on Friday, Thon Anyuat, chairman of the Greater Bor Youth in Nimule told Radio Tamazuj the prices of consumable goods have risen significantly in the area.

“Prices are so high in the market here as we are speaking and if you look at the 50kg of cooking oil has reached to 330 SSP and 50kg of maize flour costs over 500 SSP and that has affected people a lot in Nimule,” he said.

He stressed that the previous price of cooking oil was 110 SSP, blaming the rising cost of the dollar which has reduced imports.

“I don't see why are people using US dollar rather than using our own currency South Sudanese pounds in buying and selling,” Anyuat said.

Anyuat further claimed the rate of exchange today in Nimule has reached to 1,700 SSP for 100 US dollars. He said this high rate has contributed to shortages of some food items.

Meanwhile, the State Minister of Information for Eastern Equatoria Mark Okia stressed that the whole of Eastern Equatoria was affected by rising prices, not only Nimule. He pointed to increasing hunger throughout the state.

Regarding crime, however, Mark said the state is stable and has not seen any increase in crime. This contrasts to Central Equatoria State where crime has risen sharply.