Food prices soar in South Darfur capital

The citizens of Nyala, capital of South Darfur, complain of continuing price hikes at the markets, especially for foodstuffs and consumer goods. Speaking to Radio Dabanga, a citizen reported that the price of one kg of sugar has risen from SDG7 ($1.22) to SDG9 ($1.60), while the price of a piece of bread reached SDG1 ($0.17). Half a litre of cooking oil now costs SDG18 ($3.15). The price of a large sack (about 100kg) of charcoal has risen to SDG70 ($12.20). Cooking gas is not to be found anywhere in Nyala. Mohamed Abdallah, a merchant at the market of Nyala, attributed the price increases to a shortage of a number of goods because the supply from Khartoum has been delayed. The merchant complained that the payment of state employees’ salaries has been delayed too, substantially lowering purchasing power. The markets in Nyala and in the rest of South Darfur are witnessing extremely low sales figures. File photo Related: ‘Food prices, scarcity of petrol still rising’: South Kordofan citizens (15 January 2014)