Nyala, November 6 (Darfur24)
Local traders in Nyala reported on Wednesday that food prices have increased following the closure of the Adré border crossing with Chad and restrictions on commercial trucks departing from Al-Dabba in northern Sudan.
Chadian authorities closed the Adré crossing six days ago, without issuing an official explanation.
Abdul-Azim Ismail, a trader in Nyala’s main market, told Darfur24 that prices have risen notably compared to last week.
He said the price of a sack of sugar has increased from 174,000 Sudanese Pounds (SDG) to 200,000 SDG, while the price of a 25 kg sack of flour rose from 75,000 to 100,000 SDG. He added that a carton of soap increased from 76,000 to 86,000 SDG, and the prices of rice and lentils rose slightly from 105,000 to 110,000 SDG.
Another trader, Abubakr Yahya, said the price hikes are linked to the closure of the Adré crossing and the obstruction of trucks heading to Darfur from Al-Dabba after the Rapid Support Forces took control of El Fasher. He noted signs of shortages in certain goods, particularly wheat flour, in Nyala’s markets.
Despite the availability of goods, traders say the market is experiencing a recession due to a decline in purchasing power among citizens.
They added that the fluctuating value of the Sudanese pound against the Chadian franc, combined with declining demand and reduced import channels, has forced some merchants to leave the market or declare bankruptcy.
Since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces, traders in Darfur and parts of Kordofan have relied heavily on importing food and fuel from Chad and South Sudan through the Adré and Al-Raqibat border crossings.