El Geneina , July 1(Darfur 24)The markets of the city of El Geneina, the capital of West Darfur State, witnessed a significant increase in the prices of food and building materials due to the decline in the price of the Sudanese pound against the African franc.

A “Darfur 24” correspondent from El Geneina said that the price of a 50-kg bag of sugar rose from 120,000 pounds to 155,000 pounds, and a jar of oil from 45,000 pounds to 55,000 pounds, while a barrel of gasoline increased from 600,000 pounds to 800,000 pounds.

The exchange rate of the pound against the African franc decreased in the currency trading market, as the price of five thousand francs rose from 13,500 pounds to 15,500 pounds in just two days.

In statements to “Darfur 24,” the head of the West Darfur Chamber of Commerce, Tjani Youssef, attributed the rise in prices to the increased demand for materials and goods entering through the Adikong border gate with Chad.

He said that El Geneina is considered the only source of food supplies and fuel for most cities after the road to El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State, was halted due to the war.

Tajani expected prices to rise rapidly in the coming period due to the rugged roads during the rainy season, and the Chadian government imposes heavy taxes on goods entering Sudan.