Sudan inflation eased slightly in December, but prices remain High

 January 14, 2025 (PORT SUDAN) – Sudan’s annual inflation rate eased slightly to 187.83% in December from 198.22% in November, the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) said on Tuesday. Still, prices remained elevated as the country grapples with the economic fallout of an ongoing conflict.

Inflation has been on a gradual downward trend in recent months, falling from 211.48% in October and 215.52% in September. The rate measures the change in prices over a 12-month period.

“The rate of change in the general price level – inflation – was recorded at 187.83% for December,” the CBS said in a statement seen by Sudan Tribune.

The statistics agency reported that urban inflation dipped to 158.62% in December from 158.90% in November, while rural inflation fell to 207.17% from 225.91% the previous month.

The CBS said inflation rates decreased in December for several key categories, including food and beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, health, transportation, education, and miscellaneous goods and services. However, prices rose in other areas, such as communications and clothing.

The agency’s inflation calculations are based on a basket of 663 goods and services, reflecting consumption patterns across different economic, social, and geographic groups in both urban and rural areas. The basket is divided into 12 main categories, with food and beverages having the largest weighting.

In December, inflation rates varied across Sudan’s states. The CBS reported increases in Gederaf, Sennar, White Nile, North, South, and East Darfur, while West Darfur saw no change. Inflation declined in all other states.

South Kordofan saw the largest decrease at 99.73%, followed by the Northern State at 77.18%, and River Nile at 60.82%. Sennar experienced the biggest increase at 84.02%, followed by White Nile at 78.32%, according to the report.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan has severely disrupted livelihoods and income sources, leaving many Sudanese struggling with soaring prices. The United Nations estimates that 30.4 million people, or about 64% of the population, require humanitarian aid.