Sudan Drops Petrol, Diesel Prices

Sudan announced the second reduction in fuel prices in a month. (Reuters)
Sudan announced the second reduction in fuel prices in a month. (Reuters)
TT
20

Sudan Drops Petrol, Diesel Prices

Sudan announced the second reduction in fuel prices in a month. (Reuters)
Sudan announced the second reduction in fuel prices in a month. (Reuters)

Sudanese authorities announced the reduction of fuel prices following their monthly review of local production and developments in global oil production.

Petrol prices fell on Tuesday from SDG700 to SDG522 per liter, while diesel prices decreased slightly from SDG687 to SDG672 per liter.

Up until August, Sudan had the fourth highest price of gasoline per liter in the Arab world.

The transitional government, dismissed in June last year, approved the full liberalization of fuel prices as part of a package of requirements of international financial institutions to relieve Sudan's $60 billion debt.

It is the second devaluation in less than a month and two years after the government adopted an economic reform policy and devalued the Sudanese pound. It is expected to be reflected in other commodities whose prices are rising due to the high cost of transportation.

The state spends $1 billion annually to subsidize fuel prices.

The government believes that the liberalization of fuel prices limits smuggling, reduces inflation, eliminates markups, and paves the way for the state to support citizens in health, education, and infrastructure services.

Domestic production covers about 70 percent of gasoline and cooking gas and 40 percent of gasoline, and imports cover the deficit.

Meanwhile, Sudan's Central Bureau of Statistics announced that annual inflation dropped from 125.41 percent in July to 117.42 percent in August.

Last month, the Ministry of Finance announced an increase in the exchange rate of foreign currencies in the customs system and raised the dollar from SDG445 to SDG564, which hindered exports and imports and reduced government revenues to about half.

The army's measures to seize power in the country last year led to the halt of billions of dollars in international financial aid to Sudan earmarked to mitigate the effects of economic reforms on the citizens. The resumption of aid is contingent upon the return of a civilian-led government.



Saudi Arabia Unveils $2.6 Bln in Real Estate Supply Chain Investment Opportunities

A panel discussion on the sidelines of the Real Estate Supply Chain Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A panel discussion on the sidelines of the Real Estate Supply Chain Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT
20

Saudi Arabia Unveils $2.6 Bln in Real Estate Supply Chain Investment Opportunities

A panel discussion on the sidelines of the Real Estate Supply Chain Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
A panel discussion on the sidelines of the Real Estate Supply Chain Forum in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi government is expanding its targets for “Supply Pro,” a digital platform that connects contractors and building materials manufacturers under the National Housing Company.

The plan includes a 30% increase in the number of registered local and international suppliers, a 7% localization of building materials used in housing units, and the creation of new investment opportunities valued at over 10 billion riyals ($2.6 billion) in manufacturing, supply, and logistics services.

These initiatives are expected to generate more than 5,000 jobs.

This was revealed by Mohammad Al-Bati, CEO of the National Housing Company, during his speech at the “Real Estate Supply Chain Forum” in Riyadh on Tuesday, which was sponsored by Minister of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing Majed Al-Hogail.

The event, attended by a group of consultants, contractors, and manufacturers, aimed to explore collaboration opportunities, learn about the latest technologies in the building materials industry, and facilitate knowledge exchange between local and international companies to strengthen supply chain networks.

Al-Bati also disclosed several agreements recently signed by the National Housing Company to support the real estate supply chain, with a total value exceeding 21 billion riyals ($5.6 billion).

These agreements have notably boosted local content, increasing from 54% to 63% by the end of 2024, while generating thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities in this vital sector.