Sudan orders fuel importers to deposit 200 kg of gold to ease forex pressure
June 15, 2026 (KHARTOUM) – The Central Bank of Sudan has issued a directive requiring fuel-importing companies to deposit 200 kilograms of gold to secure import licenses, aiming to curb manipulation and ease pressure on foreign currency reserves.
Sudan’s reliance on imported petroleum products has surged since the country’s main refinery in Khartoum was knocked out of service by the ongoing war. The refinery previously supplied about 70% of the nation’s domestic fuel needs.
The central bank’s decision requires depositing 200 kilograms of 21-karat gold as a primary condition for issuing fuel import certificates. The policy is designed to regulate the import process and ensure that import operations are backed by real economic resources.
According to the central bank circular, support certificates for imported petroleum products will only be granted to companies that deposit the specified amount of gold. Importers must also complete shipment arrivals and verify payments within 21 days.
The measure is part of central bank efforts to build up gold reserves and anchor import operations to tangible assets, which officials hope will enhance monetary stability and limit speculation in the fuel market.
Motasim Mohamed Saleh, secretary-general of the Gold Exporters Chamber, told Sudan Tribune the decision was positive, noting it would weed out financially weak companies whose demand for foreign currency had driven the Sudanese pound to record lows against the dollar.
Saleh said the move would stimulate domestic gold trading and boost state reserves by requiring fuel importers to buy local gold. He added that it provides the state with physical collateral rather than paper or bank guarantees, thereby improving oversight.
However, Saleh warned that the 200-kilogram requirement could force small and medium-sized enterprises out of the market, concentrating fuel imports in the hands of a few large corporations. A drop in the number of importers could reduce competition and raise domestic fuel prices.
He noted that while the policy strategically links Sudan’s two most vital commodities, gold and fuel, it poses significant challenges, including freezing large amounts of gold outside commercial circulation and raising financing costs for importers.
Saleh emphasized that a clear and rapid mechanism to return the gold deposits once import obligations are met will be crucial to preventing supply disruptions.