Sudanese pound continues to plummet against U.S. dollar
November 28, 2018 (KHARTOUM) – The price of the US dollar has increased on the black market in Khartoum on Wednesday, settling at 61,00 Sudanese pounds.
Last month, the Central Bank of Sudan (CBoS), formed a body of bankers and exchange bureaus to set the official exchange rate on daily basis.
The move was part of a package of financial and monetary measures designed to tackle the deepening economic crisis in the east African nation.
The government body set the purchase price of the U.S. dollar at 47,00 Sudanese pounds while the selling price was put at 47,23 pounds.
However, traders speaking to Sudan Tribune Wednesday in central Khartoum said the purchase price of the U.S. dollar through cheques has reached 61,00 pounds while the cash purchase price was 55,00 pounds.
It is noteworthy that due to the lack of liquidity in the banks, U.S. dollar carries two prices on the black market. The purchase price by cheques is usually higher than the cash price.
Economic conditions in Sudan have been challenging since the secession of South Sudan in 2011 and the loss of the bulk of oil production and exports.
The withdrawal of South Sudan oil has compounded the difficult external environment, including debt arrears, limited access to external financing, U.S. sanctions, and the withdrawal of correspondent bank relations.
The most recent International Monetary Fund (IMF) report indicated that Sudan’s gross international reserves remained very low in 2017 ($1.1 billion, 1¾ months of imports).
(ST)