Sudan reverses the increase in fuel prices due to the "critical" situation of the population

The Sovereign Council of Sudan, the country's highest executive body, today reversed the decision taken a few days ago by the Ministry of Energy to raise gasoline and diesel prices due to "the critical conditions suffered by citizens" in times of war.

One of the most prominent members of the council, Sham al Din Kabbashi, said in a statement that fuel prices will remain at the levels prior to the outbreak of the conflict between the army and the paramilitary group Rapid Support Forces (FAR) on April 15.

According to the note, "the cancellation of the fuel price increase is due to the critical conditions suffered by citizens," since the conflict has interrupted a large part of public services, including hospitals, and has caused a great shortage of food, fuel and other basic products.

Kabbashi indicated that, in addition, the decision of the Ministry of Energy was taken "without the knowledge" of the Finance department, and it was also not presented during the meeting of the Council of ministers.

The Sudanese Ministry of Energy announced on the 6th an increase in gasoline and diesel prices, which was the first increase in fuels since the beginning of the conflict.

Gasoline increased from $0.97 a liter to $1.05, while diesel from $0.97 to $0.98, as part of the monthly review of fuel prices in accordance with international prices of petroleum derivatives.

In addition, the salary suspension of public employees still persists due to the interruption of payment by state agencies and the paralysis of banks, so the Government could not pay the salaries of some 859,000 civil servants.

The conflict began after the FAR will be revealed against the army on April 15 and, so far, the war has left between more than 1,000 and 3,000 dead, according to different estimates, and has forced almost four million people to move inside and outside the country. EFE