Sudanese decry rise in basic commodity prices

The head of the economic committee in parliament, Al-Zubair Ahmed Hassan Khartoum – Abed Algayom Ashmeag Sudanese citizens have condemned a new decree that lifts subsidies off fuel and basic commodities such as sugar, sending prices skyrocketing. A number of taxi drivers and car owner have also said they opposed the decree, saying the increase of gasoline prices to 12 Sudanese pounds per gallon means no customers would use the service they provide.
Meanwhile, the Sudan Workers Trade Unions Federation (SWTUF) has begun convening meetings to discuss measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of the decisions.
A member in the federation wondered where oil revenues used to go to before South Sudanese citizens have condemned a new decree that lifts subsidies off fuel and basic commodities such as sugar, sending prices skyrocketing.
A number of taxi drivers and car owner have also said they opposed the decree, saying the increase of gasoline prices to 12 Sudanese pounds per gallon means no customers would use the service they provide.
Meanwhile, the Sudan Workers Trade Unions Federation (SWTUF) has begun convening meetings to discuss measures that can be taken to mitigate the effects of the decisions.
A member in the federation wondered where oil revenues used to go to before South Sudan seceded last year and when prices were at $150 per gallon.
He doubted the readiness of the government to implement the austerity policy on its own members, "most of whom are behind this crisis".
The Secretary General of the federation Abdul-Karim Amin said they expected a new decree in favour of the poorer sections of society. The deputy speaker of the parliament, Hagu Gism al-Sid, defended the programme, saying it aimed at stability and economic reform and would put the Sudanese economy on the right track.
For his part, the head of the economic committee in parliament, Al-Zubair Ahmed
Hassan, said the economic proceedings decided by the state must be applied due to security developments along the western borders. He explained that the recent reform package that aimed to stop economic deterioration also consisted of exempting certain essential commodities from taxes, such as wheat, flour and sugar.