Sudan's Fuel Crisis Paralyzes Production and Burdens Citizens

Recurring fuel shortages have become a persistent issue in Sudan's capital city of Khartoum, with vehicles waiting in long queues at gas stations. This crisis has been ongoing since the country's government relocated from Port Sudan to Khartoum.

The war-torn economy is struggling to import sufficient fuel due to a severe lack of foreign currency revenue and fluctuating exchange rates against foreign currencies. The Central Bank of Sudan's foreign trade statistical summary shows that imports of petroleum products during the first half of 2026 amounted to approximately $1.495 billion, representing about 33% of the total import expenditure.

With oil production at a near-total standstill following the war, the burden of this bill has fallen on the Central Bank of Sudan. The crisis has forced many citizens, such as rickshaw driver Mustafa Kabashi, to stop working due to the long waiting times and skyrocketing fuel prices.

Hani Mohamed, a commercial transport driver, called for addressing the fuel price crisis and ensuring the continued operation of service stations so that citizens do not face recurring crises caused by price fluctuations. A worker at a Khartoum gas station revealed that their station has not received its fuel allocation for over a week, with no explanation from the authorities responsible for distribution.

Prime Minister Dr. Kamil Idris emphasized during an inspection tour that the conflict has shifted from a military war to an economic one, stating that 'the economic war is manageable.' However, Abu Zaid Othman believes the fuel crisis began with the hike in customs dollar rates and prices of petroleum products.