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#Juba – Al-Wadi Newspaper
As part of efforts to develop trade flows, Vice President and Chairperson of the Infrastructure Cluster, Taban Deng Gai, proposed the establishment of dry ports at major entry points into South Sudan.
The proposal aims to connect trade routes with dry ports to facilitate customs clearance, goods storage, and reduce transportation time and costs. This would enhance the country’s ability to capitalize on its geographical location as a potential corridor for regional trade.
Fuel Crisis… An Issue Beyond Prices
On the economic front, the conference discussed the impact of rising fuel prices on transportation and the livelihoods of citizens.
Juba has witnessed a sharp increase in diesel prices in recent months, amid South Sudan’s heavy reliance on imported petroleum products.
Taban Deng Gai explained that the country’s dependence on importing fuel by road from the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam increases transportation, insurance, and intermediary costs, which ultimately affects the price of fuel paid by consumers.
The depreciation of the South Sudanese pound against the U.S. dollar is another factor contributing to rising prices, particularly because fuel imports are purchased in foreign currencies.
Despite South Sudan’s crude oil reserves and production, the lack of sufficient domestic refining capacity forces the country to import its requirements for petrol and diesel.
Observers believe that developing local and regional refineries, alongside improving roads and storage facilities, could help reduce fuel costs and strengthen market stability in the long term.
Checkpoints… An Additional Burden on Trade and Travel
Regarding the movement of people and goods, Taban Deng Gai called for reducing the number of checkpoints and roadblocks across the country and harmonizing government documentation procedures.
He said road travel is an essential part of population movement and trade in South Sudan, but the large number of checkpoints and varying procedures make journeys more difficult and increase transportation costs.
He criticized what he described as “administrative overstaffing” at some institutions and crossing points, noting that having multiple authorities and procedures does not necessarily improve oversight, but may instead become an obstacle to the movement of citizens and trade.
He called for the adoption of a “one-stop-shop” system, under which all required procedures would be completed at a single point, rather than forcing travelers and traders to move between numerous offices and government agencies.
