Fares for commercial boats operating between Bor town in Jonglei state and Mingkaman in Eastern Lakes State have slightly increased in the past weeks.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Friday, Aleu Malual, the information secretary for Boat Trade Union in Jonglei said they hiked the fares from 1, 500 SSPs to 1, 890 SSPs since the beginning of June.
The local official pointed out that the rise in fares will enable them to meet losses incurred as a result of the current economic crisis.
“Now a jerrycan (20 liters) of diesel increased to 8, 500 SSPs from 5, 000 SSPs. We spent at least 4 jerrycans of fuel for one trip due to difficulty in movement because of waterweeds. This forced us to increase the fares, “he said.
Aleu urged the relevant authorities to subsidize fuel for boat owners.
Achol Kur, one of the displaced people in Mingkaman said fares increase forced them to stay without visiting relatives in Bor town.
She appealed to South Sudan leaders to bring peace to the country for them to return home.