Illegal checkpoints on Juba-Nimule and other roads are the major causes of price hike in the country, South Sudan Chamber of Commerce has said.

Last week, Juba experienced fuel shortage.

The Secretary General of the Chamber, Simon Akuei, says the fuel scarcity and increase in prices of some goods were caused by illegal collection of money from traders at checkpoints.

Most checkpoints use rope as a barrier.

“You find illegal ropes someone puts on the road. When they see a truck coming they, erect it and block the road,” Mr Akuei said.

“But when they see a small vehicle, they would hide in bush.”

He said the illegal checkpoints have been removed by the security.

“When the deputy Minister of Interior visited these areas recently, all these checkpoints disappeared; even those who used to erect these collection points escaped from the road sides.”

Mr. Akuei says it is the responsibility of the government to control the prices of goods in the markets in order to help protect the consumers.

“It is our responsibility as people in the government to look into these issues and how we can protect our citizens.”