Prices drop in Kadugli as trade convoys arrive after army breaks siege

 February 8 (KADUGLI) – Commodity prices in the South Kordofan state capital of Kadugli have plunged following the arrival of commercial convoys after the Sudanese army broke a two-year siege, local traders said on Sunday.

The army ended the blockade on February 3 after a military operation from the state’s eastern regions, clearing a route through Habila and Dilling. The siege had triggered widespread hunger and displaced about 147,000 people—roughly 80% of the population—according to United Nations data.

“The market has seen a significant improvement within hours of the goods arriving,” Mohamed Adam, a trader in the Kadugli market, told Sudan Tribune.

Adam said the price of a kilogram of sugar dropped to 6,000 Sudanese pounds ($4.60) from 70,000 pounds before the siege was lifted. A malwa, a local measure of sorghum, fell to 5,000 pounds from 100,000 pounds, while a kilogram of flour decreased to 6,000 pounds from 80,000 pounds.

Items that were nearly exhausted in the market, such as onions and salt, have also seen sharp price reductions. The price of a malwa of onions dropped to 8,000 pounds from 200,000 pounds, and salt fell to 4,000 pounds from 300,000 pounds.

Trucks carrying food and medical supplies began arriving in the city on Saturday, according to a second trader who asked not to be named.

Prior to the lifting of the blockade, residents faced long queues for small amounts of sorghum as supplies dwindled. Nearby Dilling saw similar relief in late January after it was reconnected to North Kordofan.

Prices for rice, lentils, coffee, and soap have also fallen, leading to a surge in market activity, traders said.

Price comparison: Kadugli market

The malwa is a traditional Sudanese unit of volume equivalent to approximately 4.125 litres. For staple grains, one malwa weighs approximately 3kg, while a malwa of onions weighs about 2.5kg, and salt weighs approximately 4.5kg.