By Bosco Bush
Amidst the ongoing hyperinflation and soaring fuel prices across South Sudan, bus and truck transporters have resolved to maintain their initial transportation charges, despite the financial burden.
As of Monday, July 22, 2024, fuel prices in Juba have reached staggering levels, varying from one petrol station to another, with a minimum price of 4,000 South Sudan Pounds per litre or even higher, especially in the states.
This dire situation has hampered the movement of people and the transportation of goods and services within the country.
Jacob Lueth Achol, the Chairman of the South Sudan Federation of Bus and Transporters Union, told this outlet that the union has made a resolute decision to work at a loss for the sake of the people.
They have vowed not to increase transport fares, as they believe the citizens are already suffering from the economic challenges.
“Actually, this time we throw the ball on the transporters who are going to different states that, we are not going to increase the transport fare – not even with a single coin. We have been working on profit, but this time let’s work for loss. Because people are suffering and they don’t have money,” he said.
“The travellers are our brothers, mothers, fathers and uncles. So, let’s work for loss to support them this time,” Jacob said.
Mr. Jacob clarified that the price maintenance they have adopted doesn’t apply to public taxis (muosalat) within Juba, but rather inter-state, noting that public taxis are under the administration of Juba City Council.
He appeal to the government to allocate a fuel station specifically for transporters to buy fuel at a relatively cheaper rate so as to continue delivering transportation service to the people.
“We urge the government to identify a petrol station that will be cheaper for only transporters so that we can arrange for transporters who are carrying passengers and goods to different states instead of people not to travel,” he stated.
South Sudan is facing an economic meltdown with the local currency (SSP) depreciating further, ranging between 4,000 – 4,300 SSP per 1 US Dollar in the parallel market.
Attempts by the government to curb the economic recession are reasonably futile.
Charles Jamal Abugo, Chairman of Greater Equatoria Transport Association, expressed compassion towards the citizens for the unfavourable economic situation asserting that they are going to maintain the initial transport fare.
“I really feel pity for our citizens given the unfavourable economic situation that we are in. Currently on the ground, for instance, Yei to Juba, there are no passengers completely even if we maintain or increase the transport fare,” Abugo asserted.
Like his colleague, Mr. Abugo appeals to the government for the provision of subsidized fuel prices to transporters.
“My request is for the government to designate for us (transporters) a specific petrol station where we can buy fuel at a subsidized price,” Abugo appealed.