Sudan says 30 fuel tankers awaiting discharge at Port Sudan
March 31, 2026 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s Ministry of Energy announced on Tuesday that dozens of tankers carrying petroleum products have arrived at Port Sudan, a move aimed at dispelling fears of shortages and rising fuel prices at service stations.
The announcement follows reports on Monday of fuel price hikes in Port Sudan and several other states. These increases, which occurred without an official ministry circular, were later canceled following government intervention.
The ministry stated that more than 10 tankers are currently at the Port Sudan berths waiting to discharge various petroleum products once the first vessel completes its offloading. An additional 20 tankers are positioned in the Red Sea awaiting their turn.
Officials clarified that the ministry has not been involved in fuel pricing mechanisms since 2021, when the policy of deregulating fuel prices was first implemented.
The ministry’s role is now limited to regulatory aspects, including determining national requirements based on consumption rates and providing technical supervision of imports to ensure they meet approved specifications.
It also oversees distribution through established mechanisms to ensure a steady supply and maintain stability for vital sectors.
The ministry emphasized its ongoing coordination with importers, urging them to minimize profit margins to ease the burden on citizens despite significant increases in global market prices.
Global fuel prices have seen a marked rise, with gasoline prices jumping from approximately $78 to $245 per barrel due to geopolitical developments. This has negatively impacted local prices under the current deregulation policy.
Sudan relies heavily on imported petroleum derivatives to meet domestic demand, making the local market highly sensitive to global supply chain disruptions or sudden oil price spikes.
Earlier this month, Finance Minister Gibril Ibrahim warned of “negative and harsh” consequences for the Sudanese economy due to the ongoing war, noting the potential for commodity shortages.
Speaking in Port Sudan, Ibrahim said the global rise in gold and petroleum prices would reflect directly on the domestic market. He also warned of risks to supplies passing through the Straits of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab.