Pre-Eid price surge further stretches Sudan consumer’s embattled pocket

With prices for goods already at all-time highs due to soaring inflation, consumers across Sudan are having to dig even deeper into their pockets as prices surge ahead of Eid El Fitr that marks the festive conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Clothing market in Kassala (File photo: Brian Morrow/Skyscrapercity)

With prices for goods already at all-time highs due to soaring inflation, consumers across Sudan are having to dig even deeper into their pockets as prices surge ahead of Eid El Fitr that marks the festive conclusion of the fasting month of Ramadan.

Callers from Khartoum observed that while this pre-Eid price surge happens every year, this hear it has intensified due to the ongoing fuel and currency crisis; the increased transport and logistical costs are also ultimate carried by the consumer.

Markets across Sudan witnessing a sharp surge in the prices of goods and supplies: prices of clothing and sweets have doubled compared to the beginning of the year amid reluctance of people to buy.

Residents of Kassala in New Halfa have also complained about the sharp rise in the prices of Eid supplies such as children’s clothing and sweets.

In a statement to the parliament in Omdurman last week, Finance Minister Mohamed El Rikabi acknowledged the inflation rate of 54.1 per cent during the first quarter of this year.