Fuel Crisis in Sudan Disrupts Transport and Pushes Up Food Costs
Sudan is experiencing a severe fuel shortage driven by global oil disruptions linked to the Middle East conflict and domestic import restrictions, leading to halted transport and rising food prices. The government has ordered extra petroleum supplies, but challenges like refinery shutdowns and foreign exchange scarcity persist, fueling black market activity amid ongoing civil war.
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Sudan is facing a severe fuel shortage caused by global oil disruptions tied to the Middle East conflict and domestic restrictions on imports, Africanews reported on October 3, 2026.
The shortage has paralyzed public transport, freight movement, and factory production, resulting in increased transport costs that have pushed up food prices, burdening ordinary Sudanese citizens. Khartoum resident Mohamed Hassan described the market as “totally paralyzed” and called for solutions rather than promises.
Prime Minister Kamil Idriss has responded by ordering extra supplies of petroleum products to service stations to alleviate shortages and improve availability. However, a central bank requirement demanding importers deposit the equivalent of 200 kilograms of gold has limited participation in the import market.
Analysts highlight deeper challenges including the prolonged shutdown of the al-Jaili refinery, shortages of foreign exchange, and difficulties financing fuel imports. Amid the ongoing civil war, the fuel supply crunch has also driven a surge in black market fuel trade across government-held areas.