Full Breakdown
Sudan’s War and Inflation Push Khartoum Families Into Daily Hardship
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In this breakdown
01
Families Face Soaring Food Costs
In Khartoum, street-vendor Rasha Abdelaziz Musa works seven hours a day selling tea yet still worries about feeding her four children. She estimates daily food expenses at about 40,000 Sudanese pounds (? $4). Similar pressures affect Ahmed Youssef, 61, who supports a household of 12 with irregular earnings from a butcher shop and livestock-sale commissions, and Ali Fadil, who must stretch a daily budget of roughly 70,000 pounds (? $7) despite uncertain market work. The rising cost of staples forces some families to skip meals or send older children to work.
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02
War-Driven Economic Collapse
The conflict between Sudan’s army and the Rapid Support Forces, which intensified in 2023, has devastated infrastructure, disrupted supply chains and displaced millions. The World Bank estimates Sudan’s economy contracted by 29 % in 2023 and a further 14 % in 2024. The International Organization for Migration reports that about 8.9 million people remain internally displaced as of April. Damage to transport networks and fuel shortages in September have limited the flow of goods into urban markets, amplifying price pressures.
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03
Inflation and Price Data
Al Jazeera’s market survey recorded sharp price spikes over a few days: a kilogram of sugar rose to 10,000 pounds (? $1) from 9,000 pounds, cooking oil to 25,000 pounds (? $2.50) from 20,000 pounds, and a loaf of bread to 500 pounds (? $0.05) from 300 pounds. Lentils increased to 10,000 pounds per kilogram, and rice to 13,000 pounds. Sudan’s Central Bureau of Statistics notes that overall consumer prices were 28 % higher in September than a year earlier, with food and beverages up nearly 37 % and urban food costs about 60 % higher than a year prior. Urban areas saw a 40 % price rise over the past year versus roughly 21 % in rural zones.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Economic affairs specialist Khalid Teks argues that the war’s economic fallout is compounded by long-standing issues such as oil loss after South Sudan’s 2011 secession, currency depreciation and limited reforms since President Omar al-Bashir’s removal in 2019.
05
Verbatim Quotes
- “One income is no longer enough to cover the family’s needs, and sometimes my older children have to work to help meet expenses,” — Ahmed Youssef
- “The government needs to provide direct support through dedicated funds and the Zakat Chamber, facilitate humanitarian organisations and offer affordable loans for small businesses and vocational activities,” — Khalid Teks, economic affairs specialist