Sudan transport unions hike bus fares as fuel costs surge

MARCH 13 2026 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s transport unions announced a new unified tariff for intercity bus tickets from Khartoum on Friday, citing rising fuel prices and operational challenges caused by the ongoing conflict.

The Sudanese Federation of Transport Chambers and the National Chamber of Intercity Bus Owners said the new rates took effect on March 12.

The unions said in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune that the move aims to standardize ticket prices among companies operating routes between Khartoum and other states. Land transport costs have climbed significantly due to rising fuel and spare parts prices, as well as security risks following the outbreak of war in April 2023.

The new fares, which include Value Added Tax (VAT), were calculated based on a diesel price of 5,018 Sudanese pounds per litre. The tariff applies to departures from Khartoum, Omdurman, and Bahri.

Deteriorating infrastructure and the closure of key roads in several regions have increased operational expenses, the unions said, adding that periodic fare reviews are necessary to ensure the continuity of transport services between the capital and the states.

The announcement comes despite the Ministry of Energy’s denial on Wednesday of a petroleum supply crisis. The ministry dismissed reports of shortages as “misinterpretations” of previous official statements and urged citizens to avoid panic-buying at service stations.

Despite the ministry’s assurances, several stations in Khartoum and other states saw long queues this week as citizens feared price hikes. River Nile State has already begun implementing fuel price increases.

The energy ministry stated that fuel supplies remain stable, with tankers waiting to offload at Port Sudan. Current gasoline stocks of 191,883 metric tonnes are sufficient for 88 days of consumption, while diesel stocks total 175,082 metric tonnes, including volumes currently being offloaded, enough to last 54 days.