Drivers’ Union expresses dismay over sudden fuel price hike in Juba

2026-03-04 - 09:58

The Drivers Union has expressed dismay at the sudden rise in fuel prices in parts of the country, including the capital, Juba, saying the increase is severely affecting their operations. Residents of Juba on Wednesday woke up to a sharp increase in fuel prices, with the cost of a litre nearly doubling in some parts of the city within just two days. Jokino Francis, a member of the drivers’ union, says fuel that was selling between 6,000 and 7,000 South Sudanese Pounds earlier this week has now surged to nearly 10,000 Pounds per litre at several filling stations across the capital. “What happened is yesterday, the fuel crisis all over Juba was not somehow bad. One litre was 6,500. Some places were 7,000. But unfortunately, this morning, we wake up with a new price. One litre now as we speak is 9,950 Pounds,” Francis said. “And in some petrol stations in Gudele, it is 10,000. I was coming toward Konyo-Konyo, and in some places there is 9,700. It’s very unfortunate that the fuel prices have shot up and it’s affecting us.” A spot check by Eye Radio indicates that prices vary across neighborhoods. Some stations in Gudele are selling a litre at 10,000 Pounds, while others along the Konyo-Konyo route range between 9,700 and 9,950 Pounds. Francis says drivers have not yet increased transport fares, but warns that the situation may not remain the same if fuel prices continue to rise. “The transport fares remain at a usual cost. We have not so far added anything. But if this continues to skyrocket, we will be forced to increase transport fares, because drivers are struggling to cope with the rising operational costs. We will hear from the union,” he added. The drivers’ union attributes the increase to a new tax policy reportedly introduced at the Nimule border point, a key entry route for fuel imports into South Sudan. According to the union, the additional charges have significantly driven up the cost of fuel before it reaches Juba. The latest hike is expected to further strain residents who are already grappling with high living costs in the capital. Authorities have yet to comment on the sudden price surge and the reported tax measures at Nimule.