The fuel shortage Juba is facing is hitting hospitals and clinics that are currently running their activities on fuel reserves, a move that would lead to harsh effects if reserves run dry.
Robert Patrick Napoleon, medical director of Juba Teaching hospital, said although essential sectors like the theatre are currently running on the fuel reserves, a prolonged fuel scarcity would have a regrettable impact.
He said the laboratory is currently un-operational due to the fuel crisis.
Private clinics have also been affected.
Dr. Patsy Hagan, of URG clinic is worried that a drawn out fuel service will affect their activities.
This is not the first time the new nation faces a fuel shortage.
The crisis began in May this year when the Khartoum government closed the trade routes at the north-south border.
The latter was interpreted by some Southern officials as a move to stir up trouble among civilians in South Sudan and disrupt independence preparations.
However, sources in the fuel industry here in Juba said on condition of anonymity that the fuel shortage is due to government’s failure to prioritise fuel.
Others said the government is battling with suppliers over price controls.
A litre of petrol that used to cost three South Sudanese pounds now costs six.