Sharp increase of food and commodity prices worry Darfur citizens

The civilians of Marla, Hajeer Tongo, Donkey Dursiya and Ankoja in South Darfur complained of a sharp increase of food prices because of the blockade imposed by the security authorities on fuel and sugar. A civilian from the area told Radio Dabanga that this drastic increase is due to a measure from the authorities, who forbid sugar and fuel to leave the city under the pretence that they might be delivered to rebel forces.

In Kassab camp, near the city of Kutum in North Darfur, the price of meat has doubled:a kilo of mutton has reached 30 pounds (11US$) and a kilo of beef reached 25 pounds (9US$) for the first time in the region. The displaced people in the camp expressed great worries about this increase in the price of essential goods and other commodities, especially since no humanitarian relief has been given to them for several months. The start of the holy month of Ramandan next week, is an additional concern regarding this issue.

Food and fuel prices are increasing in the entire Region of Darfur, adding to the already delicate situation in the displaced people camps.