Residents of Panyagoor, the headquarters of Twic East County in Jonglei State, have expressed concern over a sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, amid escalating inflation. They are urging the government to intervene and address the situation.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, several residents revealed that the price hikes have left them struggling to afford basic necessities. One resident, Yom Arol, explained the dire situation: “Previously, prices began rising due to inflation, but just last week, we saw another drastic increase. A cup of beans or sugar now costs SSP 6,000, up from SSP 3,000, while a bottle of oil has surged to SSP 8,000 from SSP 4,000. Traders say the price hikes are due to poor road infrastructure, which we urge the government to address.”
Peter Maluil Deng, another local resident, noted that the price increases started earlier this week. “The rise began two days ago. A 50-kg bag of sorghum now costs SSP 250,000, up from SSP 100,000, while the same quantities of sugar and beans have gone up from SSP 100,000 to SSP 500,000. This situation is becoming unbearable for the average citizen,” he said.
In light of the price increases, local residents are calling for government intervention, urging the authorities to subsidize basic food commodities.
Deng Garang Giet, a businessman in Panyagoor, confirmed that prices have risen as a result of challenges in transporting goods. “As of now, Panyagoor is cut off from Bor by road. We rely on motorboats for supply, which takes days. A boat travels from Bor to a place called Payar, and from there to Panyagoor, we use locally made canoes. It’s the residents who are now suffering,” he explained.
Efforts to reach Twic East County Commissioner Juach Arok Juach for comment were unsuccessful.