Sudan bus operators suspend strike at Arqin border over tax hikes
March 27, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Movement of passenger buses resumed at the Arqin crossing on the Egyptian border on Friday after the National Chamber of Passenger Buses announced a temporary suspension of its strike until next Sunday.
The decision followed the stranding of hundreds of buses carrying Sudanese citizens returning to the country. The move aims to alleviate the pressure on those stuck at the border under various voluntary return programs.
The strike was launched to protest additional fees imposed on passengers arriving through northern crossings. Bus owners and travellers described the sudden increases as an undue burden following the approval of the state budget.
Tax rates on buses have experienced volatile jumps recently. Fees rose from 200,000 Sudanese pounds before Eid to 350,000 pounds after the holiday, before spiking to 1,350,000 pounds. The figure was later lowered to 850,000 pounds after operators refused to pay.
Tax authorities also mandated that returnees travelling to Khartoum pay 34,000 pounds in addition to their ticket price. Fees were set at 22,000 pounds for Atbara and 15,500 pounds for Dongola.
Gariballa al-Badri Taha, head of the National Chamber of Passenger Buses, told Sudan Tribune on Friday that the issue was being addressed temporarily ahead of a meeting with the Director General of the Tax Division on Sunday.
Taha noted that a recent 30% increase in ticket prices was authorized strictly to meet rising fuel costs and did not account for further tax hikes.
Ibrahim Mustafa, Secretary-General of the Chamber, told Sudan Tribune that the crisis at Arqin stemmed from directives by the state tax administration. These directives imposed high fees that effectively halted bus activity and related services.
Mustafa explained that intervention by Northern State authorities led to a temporary halt of the disputed measures until Sunday’s meeting, which is expected to reach a final resolution.
He added that fuel prices have nearly doubled, rising from approximately 2,600 pounds per litre to an average of 5,018 pounds per litre, significantly increasing operating costs.
While the tariff increase was intended to cover fuel, Mustafa said the crisis was exacerbated by “unjustified” tax hikes that further raised costs for travellers.
The Chamber has officially requested that the Tax Division not impose additional tax burdens on the transport tariff while awaiting the outcome of the weekend meeting.
Yasir Mohamed Osman, Director of Border Crossings and Land Outlets, told reporters that the fees in question originated from the Wadi Halfa tax office rather than the crossing management itself.
Osman confirmed that the implementation of the fees has been suspended for review, allowing bus traffic to return to normal.
The Arqin crossing receives between 1,200 and 1,800 returnees daily. Authorities say they are taking measures to facilitate and speed up entry procedures despite the ongoing administrative challenges.