Sudan’s soaring fuel prices squeeze workers amid ongoing war impacts

What happened

Al Jazeera Sudan reports a severe fuel shortage crisis across Sudan, significantly disrupting daily lives and livelihoods amid war-related damage and regulatory policies. Drivers like 60-year-old minibus operator Azhari Mohamed face long waits, with fuel queues lasting hours and prices rising sharply in cities including Port Sudan and Gazira State.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The report highlights how escalating transport fares—raised by the Transport Chambers Union by up to 40%—are forcing many, such as cleaner Aziza Ibrahim who supports four children, to cut back work days due to unaffordable travel costs. Fuel now costs several times more than pre-war rates, straining already meager household incomes.

Underlying these shortages is the war’s impact on Sudan’s oil infrastructure, with attacks on key fields disrupting refinery supplies that previously met most domestic demand. The struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces since April 2023 has slashed oil production and pushed Sudan to rely on imports amid global fuel price hikes.

Known from the source

• Fuel shortages have made it difficult for Sudanese workers, including a minibus driver in Port Sudan, to make a living.
• Fuel prices have risen sharply, with petrol costing up to 40,000 Sudanese pounds per gallon in some areas.
• Public and private transport fares have increased by 30% to 40% this month due to rising fuel costs.
• The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces began on April 15, 2023.
• Attacks on the Balila oil field have disrupted supply to the Khartoum refinery, which previously met about 60% of domestic petrol demand.

What remains unclear

Economic analysts point to additional government import requirements—like mandatory gold deposits and fuel storage ownership—that have excluded some petroleum importers from the market, further restricting supply. The combined effect blocks fuel availability, reducing economic activity and deepening poverty across the country.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Confirm the current scope and geographic coverage of fuel price data and fare increases beyond the specified cities. Verify details and actual implementation status of government import regulations impacting fuel supply and market participation. Ascertain any recent changes in the war dynamics that may further affect fuel supply chains or prices.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Sudan. Open the source.