Khartoum, October 19 (Darfur24)
Sudan has approved a 29.57% increase in the customs dollar exchange rate, raising it to 5,631.76 Sudanese pounds from 4,346.65 pounds, a source at the Ministry of Finance told Darfur24 on Monday.
The source said the increase amounted to 1,285.11 pounds, attributing the decision to a budget deficit and a shortfall in government revenue that authorities are seeking to offset through higher customs collections.
However, the source criticised the decision, saying it was unusual for the customs dollar rate to be raised more than once in a single year.
“Never before has the customs dollar rate been increased more than once in a year. Previously, it would remain unchanged for more than a year under the general budget,” the source said.
The source warned that the increase would directly affect commodity prices and called on the government to seek alternative sources of revenue, including through exports, rather than placing additional pressure on households already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Consumer markets across Sudan are experiencing continued price increases, while some shops in Khartoum have suspended sales. Citizens are also reporting declining purchasing power amid exchange-rate instability and worsening economic conditions.