Eastern Sudan: Fuel crisis enters second month

The fuel crisis in Kassala in eastern Sudan has entered its second month despite the government's announcement that enough fuel is available for the country.

In an interview with Radio Dabanga, a driver from Kassala held the Sudanese regular forces responsible for the fuel crisis.

He explained that members of the regular forced do not have to queue at fuel stations. “They repeatedly fill jerry cans and large tanks of vehicles, which drastically depletes the little fuel that is available. This greatly exacerbates the shortage of supply.”

He accused the affiliates of the regular forces of selling fuel on the black market and called on the authorities to set-up strict controls and oblige the members of the regular forces to line up in queues like everyone else.

On Monday the department of transport and oil in Kassala prohibited the filling of jars and barrels without the permission of the department of petroleum and the economic security.

Rationing

The department issued a publication announcing the rationing of fuel for three days a week including Saturday, Monday, and Thursday.

It announced the imposition of fines on fuel stations ranging from SDG 5,000 (*$275) to SDG 10,000 ($550) in case of violation of the conditions.

* Based on the official US Dollar rate quoted by the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS)