Khartoum Raises Fuel Prices for Third Time in Less Than Two Months

Khartoum – Authorities in Khartoum State have issued a formal directive to fuel station agents adjusting the prices of benzene (petrol) and diesel.

The new consumer price at the fuel station was set at SDG 3,997 per liter for benzene (petrol) and SDG 3,864 per liter for diesel.

The state has been grappling with a severe fuel crisis.

Public transport drivers reported that black market prices have surged to between SDG 40,000 and 50,000 per gallon, compared to the official price of around SDG 17,000.

One driver said he spent an entire day searching for fuel without success, refusing to buy at SDG 50,000 a gallon as the cost would make operating his vehicle unprofitable given passengers’ rejection of higher fares.

Government sources attributed the crisis to Khartoum’s Wali (governor) rejecting further increases, pending federal-level adjustments to fuel prices. Interim measures have been introduced through the state’s transport and petroleum administration to ensure the continuity of essential services.

In August, Khartoum witnessed a previous price hike that pushed the cost of a gallon of benzene (petrol) to around SDG 15,500, marking an increase of SDG 1,000.