Food prices have skyrocketed in Kuajok market due to a lack of supplies from Abyei and Aweil, a top government official said in an interview.

“Abyei and Aweil routes have had some armed robberies that have reportedly targeted traders. Even yesterday they have killed our people between Noong market and Abyei, and this has caused fear to traders” said Santino Akot Abiem, deputy governor of proposed Gogrial state.

A gallon of sorghum has risen from 80 SSP to 150SSP. A kilo of sugar costs 80 SSP, one kg of beef is 40SSP and 25Kg wheat flour costs 650SSP.

Akot said that traders have promised to lower their prices so that citizens are able to meet their daily needs. Some traders do not appear to be fully complying.

“The town mayor and the traders union chairperson talked with traders this morning to reduce the price of gallon of sorghum from 150 SSP to 100SSP. Some traders have still sold it at 120 SSP, and this is not good,” Abiem said.

Akot also said that they have asked traders to level the front of their shops to avoid stagnant water in the market, warning that those who violate the order will be ask to shut down their shops.