By Hou Akot Hou
Residents in Aweil have raised concerns over the sharp increase in the prices of essential commodities, particularly fuel, saying the surge is disrupting transportation and small-scale businesses.
Traders and commuters said the rising fuel prices have forced drivers to increase transport fares, making it difficult for many residents to reach market centers.
Mary Adut, a local trader who sells goods during market days in surrounding areas, said she was unable to travel to one of the markets after transport costs suddenly rose.
“What happened yesterday was shocking. The price of fuel has gone up. It used to be 9,500 South Sudanese Pounds but has increased to 15,000 SSP per liter,” Adut said. “Drivers, especially boda boda riders, asked us to pay 20,000 SSP for a short trip to the market. I eventually gave up.”
Another trader, James Dut Garang, said the situation has greatly affected their livelihoods.
Garang explained that he normally travels to market days in Aroyo, Aweil Center County, and Wadweil but can no longer afford the increased transport costs.
“Since the fuel price increase and the rise in other consumer goods, our work has been brought to its knees,” he said.
Garang blamed the rising prices on what he described as poor coordination between traders and market authorities, including the Chamber of Commerce.
“The market seems uncontrolled, and the government appears unwilling to intervene. It is the dry season and the roads are passable, yet prices continue to rise,” he said.
However, the Chairperson of the Chamber of Commerce in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, Deng Makol Athian, dismissed claims that the chamber had collaborated with traders to raise prices.
“The claims that market sellers and the Chamber of Commerce have agreed to increase prices are not true,” Athian said. “Some traders increase prices without consulting us.”
Athian added that the chamber works closely with municipal authorities in Aweil Town to monitor market prices and address irregularities.
“No decision has been made to increase prices sharply as seen this week. We will engage the authorities to find ways to reduce the suffering of our people,” he said.
Meanwhile, residents say the rising prices are already affecting households. A 50-kilogram bag of sugar is currently selling for about 500,000 South Sudanese Pounds (SSP) in local markets.
Many residents fear the situation could worsen as the rainy season approaches, when transportation becomes more difficult and commodity prices often rise further.