A liter of diesel on the black market reportedly costs SSP 10,000 from SSP 3,200, while the government insists on SSP 2,400 as the official price for a liter of diesel.
Most traders have attributed the rise in fuel prices to scarcity of foreign currency.
Joseph Makur, a commercial cyclist, said closure of fuel stations confused them.
“I am working as a bodaboda rider in Rumbek town,” he said, adding that “the price of fuel is too expensive. One liter is sold at 10,000 SSP in the black market”.
Makur said scarcity of dollars in the market has increased price of commodities.
Paulino Bagic Mayom said most commercial cyclists find it difficult to operate.
He said the stations no longer sell their fuel at the initial price of SSP 2,400 per liter.
For his part, Abdul Fatah Juma, the manager of Rafikic petroleum station in Rumbek town said most stations lack fuel and that explains the increase in prices.
He further said only two fuel stations are currently operating in Rumbek town.
“We are currently selling fuel at 2,400 SSP per a liter and what we requested from our government is 3,200 SSP per a liter for us to fight with the crisis,” said Juma.
He said a request for the government to intervene in the matter did not succeed.
“Our request to sell fuel at 3,200 SSP is with government and if this fuel finishes, then we will wait for approval from the government”, stressed Juma.
Daniel Laat Kon from Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) in Lakes State, said concerns were raised with authorities over rise in fuel prices.
He said most fuel stations closed down after owners discussed with government.
“The first price which was agreed between the government and the fuel station managers was 2,400 SSP when the dollar rate increased to over SSP 200,000. You know, the fuel station managers decided to increase the fuel by 3,000 SSP, but that agreement did not work well with government and this is what made the station managers to close down fuel stations”, explained Laat.
He wondered why the government allowed black market dealers to operate.
“We are now asking the government, what is the difference if you accept and listen to the demands of fuel station managers they increased fuel to 3,000 SSP and you know we have enough fuel and we assessed fuel in all fueling stations then getting fuel in the black market, which is sold at 10,000 SSP,” stressed Laat.
He added, “There is a confusion and that’s why we are asking for the state government at least to listen to the demands of the fueling station managers.”
According to the activist, most cyclists have packed their bikes due to high fuel prices.
