South Sudan has run out of fuel two days ago, but there is hope that fresh supplies will arrive from East Africa within two days.
Lack of fuel is affecting public transports and people living in Gudele, Jebel, and Gureyi had problems to move around in the last two days.A driver told SCR News that there is fuel in black market, but it is extremely expensive.
Energy and Mining Minister Garang Diing Kuong told SCR News that fuel scarcity in South Sudan is due to Sudan’s blockade, expensive fuel imports from East Africa and lack of hard currency to buy it.
He said the government has contracted an East African company to supply the ministry.
He added that the fuel will reach Juba in the next 48 hours if the company gets a quick clearance at the borders.
Mr. Diing said the priority will be Juba power station.
He added that the surplus, if there will be any, is to be distributed to petrol stations.
Mr. Diing said the government has capability to buy fuel for three months but there is no storage facility for strategic reserves.
He added that the ministry ordered only one-month consignment of fuel because storage facilities in South Sudan belong to the private sectpr.
South Sudan is being affected by fuel shortages since May when the government of Khartoum decided to close supply routes from the North.