Sudan: Bread, fuel, and cash shortages in cities /update 1

Event

Bread, fuel, and cash shortages, ongoing for several weeks in cities throughout the country, continue as of Monday, December 3. Khartoum, the capital, is particularly affected. Gas stations have been running out of fuel resulting in long queues, an increase in prices, and a lack of public transportation services. In Kassala (Kassala state) a total lack of gasoline has been reported since November 28. Furthermore, bank customers are unable to withdraw cash; most banks have stopped operating and those still open have been inundated. In Port Sudan (Red Sea state), bakeries have implemented a purchase limit for customers.

Related protests are possible.

Context

The current shortages come as the economy continues to suffer from surging inflation. Various protests have taken place 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 foster growth. For example, on October 7, the government ordered the devaluation of the Sudanese pound compared to the US dollar, 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, ATM, and bakeries, where confrontations are possible. Travelers are also advised to bring sufficient liquidity with them.