HIGHLIGHTS
The rate of inflation continues to be high in South Sudan. In July 2015, the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 51.9% compared the corresponding month in 2014. This trend was underpinned by increasing CPI for food and non-alcoholic beverages (+60.6%) and for health services (+76.2%).
The exchange rate of SSP against the US dollar has reached a low of 12.25 SSP to 1 US Dollar in month of July due to shortage of hard US$ currency. This is accompanied by heavy increase in the fuel prices.
The nominal price for white sorghum has continued to rise and is significantly higher than the long-term average for all markets. In July 2015, the prices of white sorghum increased by 24 and 36 percent in Juba and Yambio, respectively. Malakal has registered the sharpest increase in the prices of white sorghum, i.e. by 48 percent in July over June, 2015.
Massive fuel shortages hit the country and disrupted road movement as well as imports of food commodities. Price of diesel were high around SSP20/litre in Aweil and Rubmek. Bentiu, Kapoata and Bor suffered severe supply shortages of fuel.
Food inflation is expected to continue during September-October, especially in the conflict affected GUN states as green harvest is likely to be very poor and transportation of food may not be possible due to recent insecurity situation. Further deterioration in food security is expected, along with increase in the size of the food insecure population, particularly in areas where renewed conflict and displacement has further reduced access.