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)
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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.



Oil Set for Weekly Gains on Colder Weather, Chinese Policy Support

A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
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Oil Set for Weekly Gains on Colder Weather, Chinese Policy Support

A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo
A pumpjack brings oil to the surface in the Monterey Shale, California, US April 29, 2013. REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson/File Photo

Oil prices held steady on Friday, remaining poised for weekly gains after closing the previous session at their highest in more than two months, underpinned by colder European and US weather and additional economic stimulus flagged by China.

Brent crude futures were down 9 cents at $75.84 a barrel by 1212 GMT after settling on Thursday at the highest level since Oct. 25. US West Texas Intermediate crude dipped by 6 cents to $73.07, with Thursday's close its highest since Oct. 14.

Brent was on track for a 2.2% weekly gain while WTI was set for a 3.5% increase, Reuters reported.

Signs of Chinese economic fragility heightened expectations of policy measures to boost growth in the world’s top oil importer.

"As China's economic trajectory is poised to play a pivotal role in 2025, hopes are pinned on government stimulus measures to drive increased consumption and bolster oil demand growth in the months ahead," said StoneX analyst Alex Hodes.

China announced a couple of new measures to boost growth for its fragile economy this week with a surprise move to raise wages for government workers and announcement of a sharp increase in funding from ultra-long treasury bonds. The additional funding is to be used to spur business investment and consumer-boosting initiatives.

Oil is likely to have gained some price support from expected increased demand for heating oil after forecasts for colder weather in some regions.

"Oil demand is likely benefiting from cold temperatures across Europe and the US," said UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo.

Also supporting prices this week, US crude stockpiles dropped by 1.2 million barrels to 415.6 million barrels, EIA data showed.

Meanwhile, US gasoline and distillate inventories jumped as refineries ramped up output, though fuel demand hit a two-year low.