Sudan’s inflation soars to 136.67% in H1-24

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By Yomna Yasser On Jul 29, 2024

Sudan's crisis — The escalating conflict in Sudan has forced thousands to flee across the border into Ethiopia. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, those remaining in Sudan face the specter of famine. (Photo Credit: Amanuel Sileshi / AFP via Getty Images)

Sudan’s inflation rate has skyrocketed to 136.67 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics’ (CBS) latest data.

This staggering figure, released on Monday, is the first inflation is the first inflation data since the outbreak of war between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. The conflict has exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation, with more than 8.5 million people displaced and nearly 5 million already facing severe food shortages.

In June, overall inflation surged to a record high of 158.16 per cent, the CBS data showed. The crisis deepened in both urban and rural areas, with inflation reaching 155.89 per cent and 159.43 per cent, respectively. The government agency blamed the unprecedented price hikes on a sharp increase in housing rents during the first half of the year.

The last recorded inflation rate was a comparatively mild 63.3 per cent in February 2023, the CBS added in a statement.

Attribution: Reuters Arabic, Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), Sudan News Agency (SUNA)