Sudan’s Central Bureau of Statistics has reported a modest easing in the country’s annual inflation rate,which stood at 142.82% in May,down slightly from the previous month.
Urban inflation dipped marginally to 146.30%,while rural areas experienced a more pronounced drop to 141.84% from 163.73%. Although the national rate remains alarmingly high,the overall decline reflects some temporary price stabilization,even as the broader economic outlook remains grim.
However,the figures mask stark regional disparities,most notably in North Darfur,where inflation skyrocketed by 78.68% within a single month. This surge,attributed to soaring food and service prices in the besieged city of El Fasher,underscores the economic fallout from prolonged conflict. The area has been under siege by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2024,compounding the humanitarian crisis and drastically inflating living costs.
The inflation data was derived from a national basket of goods and services,with notable increases in housing and communications costs,partially offset by decreases in eight other sectors,including food and beverages. Yet the figures offer little solace to a population battered by war,economic collapse,and mass displacement. With nearly 25 million people in need of humanitarian aid,according to the UN,most Sudanese continue to face immense hardship,grappling with lost livelihoods and relentless price pressures.
United News - unews.co.za