Al-Geneina, February 28(Darfur24) Markets in Al-Geneina city, West Darfur State, have witnessed a significant increase in the prices of food and other goods, days after the closure of the Adré border crossing between Sudan and Chad.
A tour conducted by Darfur24 in Al-Geneina’s market on Saturday revealed a significant increase in the prices of basic commodities. The price of a 50-kilogram sack of sugar rose from 170,000 Sudanese pounds to 230,000, while a 25-kilogram sack of flour increased from 70,000 to 90,000 pounds, and a sack of cement jumped from 75,000 to 105,000 pounds.
Several traders attributed the prices hike to the closure of the Chadian border with Sudan.
The exchange rate of the Sudanese pound against the Chadian franc also witnessed a slight change, with 1,000 francs now worth 25,000 pounds instead of 26,000, according to market traders.
On February 23, Chad decided to close its border with Sudan after warring parties crossed into its territory, while confirming that exceptions would be granted for humanitarian reasons , provided that prior authorization should be obtained.
The Adré border crossing is considered a vital trade route for the residents of West Darfur State.