Vegetables on sale at Konyo-Konyo market - credit | Moyo Jacob/Eye Radio | April 19, 2022

Members of the public in Juba are raising concerns over the continued increase in the prices of essential goods despite a recent decline in fuel prices, with the Central Equatoria Chamber of Commerce attributing the trend to the depreciation of the South Sudanese pound against the US dollar and rising taxes.

Residents say the cost of basic commodities, including water and food items, remains beyond the reach of many households, prompting calls for government intervention.

One resident said the price of a barrel of water has risen to about 18,000 South Sudanese pounds despite lower fuel prices.

“The price of fuel dropped but the prices of water are still high and we do not have another choice. One barrel of water is now 18,000 South Sudanese pounds. Let the regulators look into this.”

Another resident urged authorities to take practical steps to address the rising cost of living.

“The prices of goods in the market need the regulators to sit down and address this because they keep talking, but there is no intervention.”

Responding to the concerns, Chairperson of the Central Equatoria Chamber of Commerce Robert Pitia said the rising cost of goods is largely driven by exchange rate fluctuations and increased taxes.

As of the beginning of this week, one US dollar was selling at more than 7000.00 South Sudanese pounds on the parallel market, according to market reports.

“The increase in market prices is mainly caused by higher taxes and the exchange rate. Since we depend on imports, traders need US dollars to restock and protect their businesses. As long as the exchange rate and taxes continue to rise, prices will also continue to increase unless there is a permanent solution.”

Pitia said South Sudan’s dependence on imports has made the economy vulnerable to currency fluctuations and stressed the need to strengthen local production to reduce reliance on foreign goods.

He also emphasized that peace and security are critical to economic recovery, noting that insecurity in farming areas has discouraged cultivatioof living.n and disrupted the transportation of food to markets.

“Peace plays a big role. Some parts of the country can produce food, but insecurity has discouraged farming and made it difficult to transport produce. We need peace so people can farm and the country can produce its own food.”

Pitia called for sustained efforts to improve security and support domestic production, saying both are essential to reducing food prices and easing the cost