Sudan’s ministry of finance has lifted fuel subsidies, causing an increase in the price of cooking gas by 200%.
According to the decision of the ministry, seen by Radio Tamazuj, the price of a 12 kg cylinder of cooking gas has risen from 25 Sudanese Pounds (SDG) to 75 officially in Khartoum. On the black market citizens pay as much as 100 SDG for a cylinder. Prices are higher in the states.
Citizens in Khartoum critized the move, saying it could force up costs of basic goods like bread.
A parliamentary official told journalists last Saturday that lifting the fuel subsidies could spark popular protests. The official said the government amended the penalty for rioters to up to five years in jail in anticipation of unrest related to the lifting of fuel subsidies.