Fuel operators in Rumbek on Monday kept their businesses closed, protesting an order from the state ministry of finance to reduce prices.

Radio Miraya reported that the order instructed the fuel operators to bring down prices from the current 25 pounds to 9 pounds a liter. The Communication Officer for Taam Petroleum Company, Saleiman Amarman, says they are willing to compromise on a price of 12 pounds, a request the state has denied.

Saleiman says the reduced prices will negatively impact their businesses. “We wanted to supply the Rumbek area and also Rumbek Central. We have petroleum. Almost we have not worked two months because of the difficulties on the road and high dollar and prices of fuel are high. That is why our problem now; we cannot sell nine pounds, not more it is, we want only twelve.”

“If we get twelve we continue with our work. Here Rumbek nine is very difficult.”

State Finance Minister Kuol Daniel Ayulo says the high prices are hurting consumers. Ayulo says they came up with the 9 pound price in consultation with state oil firm Nilepet.

“The reason why we insist that fuel should be sold at nine pounds is that we are in contact with Nilepet, which is the main supplier of the fuel in the country and the allocation of fuel to all States, including Lakes State. And the price NilePet is selling fuel is five pound per liter. So we are not seeing the reason why they can buy fuel in Juba, come and sale them at twelve pounds in Rumbek,” he said on Radio Miraya.

File photo: A petrol station in Juba, South Sudan

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