Shoppers at the big market of Rumbek town are complaining about the hike on prices of essential goods during the referendum exercise.
Food stuff, household goods and cloths are more expensive today than before the referendum vote started, Good News Radio reported.Diing, a Sudanese trader, blamed the high prices on the American dollar. He explained that the dollar was changing at 2.7 Sudanese Pounds and now it costs 3.4 Pounds.
Traders also complain about the scarcity dollars which makes the currency more expensive and the many taxes they have to pay.
Koja Isa, a trader in vegetables and fruits, said carriers have to pay taxes at too many roadblocks along the roads and it makes good more expensive.
He requested the government to reduce the taxes.
With independence, there is hope that the people of Southern Sudan may be able to feed itself instead of relying heavily on food from neighbouring countries.