Sudan: Fuel shortages continue in Khartoum

Event

Fuel distribution operations continue to be disrupted in the capital Khartoum as of Thursday, October 18. The disruptions have resulted in fuel shortages over the past week, which will likely continue in the short-term. Gas stations across the capital have been running out of fuel, resulting in long queues, a lack of public transportation services, and an increase in their prices. Related protests are possible.

Context

The current shortages come as the economy continues to suffer from surging inflation, which reached 66.8 percent in August. Various protests have erupted in Sudanese cities since early January due to price hikes, notably in Khartoum, Khartoum North, and Omdurman. The government has begun to implement a number of broad-based economic reforms in line with recommendations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in an attempt to stabilize the economy and increase growth.

On October 7, the government ordered the devaluation of the Sudanese pound compared to US dollars, in a bid to counter the ongoing economic crisis. This is the third such devaluation since early 2018. The exchange rate is now SDG 47.5 to USD 1, compared to SDG 6.7 to USD 1 in 2017.

Advice

Individuals present in Sudan are advised to fill up vehicle tanks whenever gasoline is available, ensure a sufficient level of fuel reserves before embarking on long journeys, and postpone nonessential travel until the situation stabilizes. It is also advisable to be vigilant at gas stations, where confrontations between drivers are possible.