By Sabri Dibaco
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Atong Kuol Manyang, convened a high-level meeting with a delegation from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to address ongoing challenges affecting fuel importation and supply across the country.
The UNMISS delegation was led by Graham Maitland, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (Political) and Officer in Charge.
The discussions form part of continued collaboration between the government and international partners aimed at stabilising key sectors of the economy.
At the center of the talks were concerns over disruptions in fuel importation, which have impacted transportation, businesses, and essential services.
Both sides explored practical solutions, including the possibility of licensing exemptions for critical imports and the streamlining of bureaucratic procedures to facilitate faster and more efficient clearance of fuel shipments.
In a press release from the minister’s office, Minister Atong expressed appreciation for the sustained support provided by UNMISS, noting that the mission remains a key partner in strengthening institutional capacity and supporting national development efforts.
She emphasised that ensuring a reliable fuel supply is critical to the country’s economic stability and the daily lives of citizens.
“Fuel is the backbone of our economy, and any disruption affects multiple sectors. We must work together to ensure that supply chains remain functional and efficient,” the statement partly reads.
Minister Atong Kuol emphasised that the current fuel shortages are part of a broader global challenge, driven by fluctuating markets and supply chain constraints. She called for coordinated and innovative approaches to mitigate the impact at the national level.
Reaffirming the Ministry’s role, Atong noted that the institution continues to prioritise effective regulation of trade and the timely issuance of import and export licenses, stressing that engaging verified and compliant traders is essential to maintaining transparency, preventing market distortions, and ensuring consistent availability of fuel and other essential commodities.
The UNMISS delegation, led by Graham Maitland, reiterated the commitment to supporting the Government of South Sudan in addressing economic and logistical challenges. The delegation acknowledged the importance of fuel supply to national stability and expressed readiness to continue working closely with relevant authorities to identify sustainable solutions.
The meeting comes amid growing concerns from the public and private sectors over fuel availability, with stakeholders urging swift interventions to stabilise supply and control rising costs.
The engagement underscores the importance of strengthened cooperation between the government and international partners in addressing critical national challenges and promoting economic resilience in South Sudan.