Adikonq, March 18 (Darfur24)
Chadian authorities have imposed additional fees on carts transporting goods to West Darfur State via the Adré border crossing, raising concerns over a potential increase in the prices of basic commodities due to higher transport costs.
Sources told Darfur24 that the new charges amount to around 4,000 CFA francs, bringing the total cost per cart to about 13,000 francs (approximately 350,000 Sudanese pounds) after adding previous fees.
They added that these costs come on top of charges imposed on the Sudanese side, estimated at around 90,000 pounds per cart, in addition to zakat and other taxes, further increasing the financial burden on traders.
Chadian authorities currently allow goods to be transported only via carts, banning trucks and larger vehicles, a restriction that complicates supply operations and limits the flow of goods.
Workers in the transport and trade sectors warned that rising transportation costs will directly impact market prices, placing additional strain on consumers already facing difficult economic conditions.
The measures follow earlier decisions to close the border with Sudan since February 23 due to security tensions linked to the conflict, with limited exceptions made for humanitarian cases.
The Adré crossing remains a vital lifeline between Sudan and Chad, heavily relied upon by Darfur residents for the movement of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies.