The prices of meat and other local products are on the rise in Bor town of South Sudan’s Jonglei state as town authorities threaten traders to reduce the prices or face closure.
Since last month, the prices of beef and charcoal have increased with local traders citing inflation and high taxes.
A butcher who spoke to Radio Tamazuj on condition of anonymity on Sunday said that the rise in price of beef is due to the rise in the prices of cows and transportation costs.
“We increased 1 kg of beef to 1,000 SSPs from 800 SSPs. We buy cows in far areas like Duk and Eastern Lakes state and then transport to Bor. This is costly to us,” he said.
“If the government wants to reduce the prices, then it must reduce the selling price of cows at the borders and stop taxing us,” he added.
A sack of charcoal has also increased from 500 SSPs to 2,800 SSPs.
For his part, James Gai, Bor town mayor said he directed meat and charcoal sellers to reduce their prices, saying his administration will close businesses that will not abide by the orders.