Fuel prices, transport fares double in Nyala, South Darfur

Public transport fares in Nyala, capital of South Darfur, have increased by 100 per cent due to rising fuel prices. The increase is blamed on new government regulations designed to control the sale of fuel. “The price for a gallon of petrol has risen to SDG 55 ($12.50) on the black market after the government took control of the fuel from all filling stations,” a Nyala bus owner told Radio Dabanga. “The same fuel used to cost SDG 28 ($6.37) a gallon at a filling station.” He says that although the union promised to study the matter on Tuesday, the owners of vehicles decided on Wednesday to increase transportation tariffs by 100 per cent, from one Pound to two Pounds,” he says. “The move by the government has effectively transferred a substantial proportion of the available fuel in Nyala to the black market,” he said.Nyala often faces power cuts and shortage of petrol, which affects various sectors in the local economy. Its citizens told Radio Dabanga in March that their living situation had become “intolerable”. Last month, a fuel convoy headed to Nyala was captured by SLA-MM rebels, “leading to a service crisis” in Nyala, citizens said.File photoRelated: Power, water cuts, fuel shortages hinder commerce in Nyala, South Darfur (11 June 2013)