Local officials in the contested area of Abyei between Sudan and South Sudan have complained of rise in price of consumer goods due to weakening of the local currency SSP against the Sudanese pound. Similar prices rises are reported in Maban and other areas that depend in part on trade with Sudan.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Paramount Chief of Ngok Dinka Nyol Fagot Deng said citizens in the area are complaining of rise in price of consumer goods due to the weakened value of the South Sudanese pound against the Sudanese pound. He said 1000 SSP equal to 150 SDG. Given low incomes, the living conditions for people in Abyei area have worsened.
“People of Abyei area are doing their best to cover the basic living needs. Some are working in restaurants and tea places and some are working in the farms to meet their living expenses,” said Fagot.
Similarly, Maban county in Upper Nile also witnessed rise in price of consumer goods, according to the commissioner Luk Sadalla. Luk told Radio Tamazuj a sack of maize floor has risen to 30,000 SSP, pointing out that this is the first time price of goods rise to such level.