Eastern Equatoria government has warned traders against inflating prices of bulls and meat due to the rising costs of other commodities that cross into South Sudan from the neighboring countries.
Deputy governor Nartisio Manir Loluke sounded the warning recently while addressing the business community in Torit, Emmanuel Radio reported.He urged the traders, especially those dealing in bulls and meat, to be realistic in pricing their products.
He said the government will intervene if traders do not reduce prices.
The deputy governor said that it was not fair for cattle traders to buy their animals at 500 pounds in Kapoeta and sell them for 1,500 or 2,000 pounds making the cost of meat unaffordable to common people.
A kilogram of meat now cost 16 pounds in Torit, five pounds more than last month.
Meanwhile, sugar that was out of market resurfaced at ten pounds per a kilogram, doubling its price in one week.
Maize flour is another commodity that has recorded a drastic price increase in Eastern Equatoria: a 50-kg bag jumped from 90 to 150 pounds in two months.
Traders blame the hike on the commodity prices mainly on fuel costs and general food shortage in East Africa.