Arabic version: ارتفاع أسعار الغذاء في أم درمان وتفاقم أزمة شمال دارفور

According to Allafrica, food and consumer prices have increased across Omdurman, while disrupted supply routes and shortages are deepening a food crisis in El Malha, North Darfur. Residents reported price increases of 20 to 25 per cent over the past month, with some essential goods rising by more than 40 per cent.

Residents said prices in Omdurman are changing almost daily and differ sharply between shops, adding pressure on households affected by Sudan’s war. In El Thawra neighbourhood in Omdurman 10, a kilogram of sugar rose from SDG4,500-4,800 last month to about SDG5,000. Cooking oil was about SDG12,000 per litre, flour about SDG4,000 per kilogram and pasta SDG3,500 per packet.

Dairy products have also become more expensive. Powdered milk was selling for SDG31,000 to SDG32,000 per kilogram, compared with SDG26,000-28,000 last month, while some shops charged SDG38,000. A 2.5-kilogram package cost about SDG67,000, and cheese rose from SDG18,000 to SDG22,000 per kilogram.

The El Malha Emergency Room warned that supply disruptions, shortages of basic goods and rising prices could push the region towards famine as the rainy season approaches. Raja Mohamed Abkar said markets in El Malha and nearby villages were nearly empty of grain and essentials, while families were selling livestock at low prices to buy food.

The Ed Debba-Mellit road was closed, and the vegetable market in El Malha had little or no fresh produce for two to three months. Residents said lentils cost SDG16,000 per kilogram, rice SDG14,000 and flour about SDG10,000. The emergency room appealed for humanitarian aid, warning that heavy rains could further restrict roads and access to vulnerable communities.