06 May 2018 | 02:06 AM UTC
Sudan: Fuel shortages continue as of May 5 /update 1
Media reports fuel shortages in Khartoum and other cities across the country as of May 5; power and transportation disruptions reported
Event
Sudan continues to face fuel shortages across the country as of Saturday, May 5. According to media reports, low fuel supplies have caused a significant increase in prices on the black market, particularly in the capital city of Khartoum. Residents claim that the price of a gallon of fuel has risen to over five times of the official price. Drivers also said that they are forced to wait in queues at filling stations overnight in hope of being able to purchase fuel. Gas stations across the capital have been running out of fuel and some public buses have stopped operating. Farmers are reportedly unable to transport their products to the market, resulting in entire crops being lost. The lack of fuel has also impacted water pumping stations in Kordofan, creating severe water shortages. Some areas are also cutting back electricity supplies to two hours instead of five.
Context
Fuel shortages also hit Khartoum in 2016.
The current shortages come as the economy continues to suffer from surging inflation, which reached 53 percent in January. The government has begun to implement a number of broad-based economic reforms in line with recommendations by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an attempt to promote economic growth. Various protests have erupted in Sudanese cities since early January due to price hikes, notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman.
Advice
Individuals present in Sudan are advised to fill up vehicle tanks whenever gasoline is available, to ensure sufficient fuel reserves before all long journeys, and to postpone nonessential travel until the situation stabilizes. It is also advisable to be vigilant at filling stations, where confrontations between drivers are possible.
On a more general note, many Western governments advise against nonessential travel to Sudan and against all travel to certain regions, including the five Darfur states, South Kordofan, Blue Nile, certain areas of North Kordofan, the Djebel Ouanat region, Dinder National Park, and Sennar state.
