Traders : 20% Rise in Food Prices Spurred by Exchange Rate Fluctuations

Sudanhorizon – Nazik Shammam

Sudan’s food commodity markets have witnessed a significant rise in prices over the past few days, accompanied by a notable decline in purchasing power that has led to a near state of stagnation.

A number of traders who spoke to Sudanhorizon revealed that prices have risen by about 20% compared to previous levels, attributing the increase to the volatile exchange rate of the Sudanese pound against foreign currencies.

Abdullah Mohamed Wad Al-Rajel, a wholesale trader in Omdurman market, confirmed that basic goods have witnessed a noticeable price hike in recent days.

He told Sudanhorizon that 50-kg sack of sugar has risen from 142,000 to 145,000 pounds, while a sack of flour climbed from 143,000 to 149,000 pounds.

He added that a carton of Saudi cooking oil went up from 100,000 to 115,000 pounds, and a 20-kg sack of lentils rose from 66,000 to 73,000 pounds. The price of Majan tomato paste exceeded 40,000 pounds, reaching 56,000 pounds, while Saudi Voltaire milk powder jumped from 450,000 to 540,000 pounds.

Wad Al-Rajel noted, however, that tea and coffee prices have slightly declined, with a pound of coffee dropping from 9,600 to 8,200 pounds, and tea from 140,000 to 130,000 pounds per 10-pound package.

The increase in essential commodities prices comes as a result of the sharp depreciation of the Sudanese pound, with the US dollar fetching over 3,500 pounds on the parallel market. The markets are currently gripped by uncertainty and anxiety, with traders expecting further price hikes.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Dhahi, a trader in Atbara market, told Sudanhorizon that prices have surged dramatically, with a 50-kg sack of sugar now priced at 144,000 pounds, and a carton of one-liter cooking oil at 83,000 pounds.

He added that a 25-kg sack of powdered milk costs 540,000 pounds, a sack of lentils is 75,000 pounds, and ordinary rice is 65,000 pounds, while Majan tomato paste sells for 55,000 pounds.

Dhahi stated that a pound of coffee now costs 13,000 pounds, and 10 pounds of tea sell for 130,000 pounds.

He pointed out that prices have doubled—up to 100%—in recent weeks, which has severely weakened purchasing power and deepened economic stagnation, resulting from widespread class impoverishment across various segments of society.

Dhahi stressed that the new prices are considerably higher than previous ones, placing a heavy burden on citizens, especially as wages have become insufficient to cover even basic daily needs.

He warned that this situation is leading to worsening living conditions and a rise in poverty rates, adding that the increase in taxes and government fees has further added to the burden on both citizens and traders alike.

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