Taxes on barges transporting goods between Juba and Upper Nile state are pushing up consumer prices, according to traders in Renk town. A number of businessmen told Radio Tamazuj said that the taxes and levies were hindering trade and transportation of goods by river.

The taxes per sack of sugar from Juba to arrival to Renk town add up to over 100 South Sudanese pounds, besides other levies paid unofficially.

Traders stressed that this has led to a rise in consumer prices. They also pointed out to the high taxes on smuggled goods from the north, which they said would threaten trade unless resolved by the authorities. Authorities have heard complaining ‘morning and evening’ from the traders but have yet to act, they said.