S. Sudan’s national oil company hikes fuel prices for hotels

[Elisabeth Janaina]

S. Sudan’s national oil company hikes fuel prices for hotels

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February 13, 2017 (JUBA) - South Sudan has increased rates at which
hotels purchased fuel at filling stations, sparking speculations it
could push prices for hotel rooms.

JPEG - 53.6 kb
A worker at the power plant of an oil processing facility in South
Sudan’s Unity state on 22 April 2012 (Photo: Reuters)

The head the NilePet, a state-owned entity, said fuel charges for
hotels were raised, but charges for water suppliers and the general
public remained.

“You know that NilePet supplies about 30% of market, which is
unsustainable. It is practicable. The government is overstretched with
priorities and therefore is there a need to plan better and to operate
within the available resources until the economy is okay”, Machar Ader
Achiek told Sudan Tribune Monday.

For months, South Sudanese have been in queues waiting to get fuel
others, while others are forced to buy fuel on the black market,
sometimes paying triple the price.

Achiek said 40% of the fuel has been subsidized, adding that fuel was
currently sold at 22 SSP instead of 37 SSP. The official explained
that his institution has raised 60 SSP.

Last week, South Sudanese lawmakers expressed mixed reactions about
removal of fuel subsidy, with some welcoming the decision and others
saying it will increase the prices.

Nilepet procures fuel outside the country and sells a litter once it
is imported at the cost of 22 pounds at the petrol filling stations.
But citizens have always complained of lack of fuel at the designated
fuel stations, even when they stay in line for hours.

There are claims that several senior government officials and military
officers use their influence and privileges to obtain fuel from
Nilepet and allegedly sends it to the black market where it is sold at
prices higher than the official charges.

Since its independence, South Sudan has relied on oil for all income—a
situation that has significantly compounded ongoing political and
economic instability due to fall in crude oil prices.

According to South Sudanese officials, production in the past reached
as high as 350,000 bpd but fell after a dispute with Sudan over fees
for pumping South Sudan’s crude through Sudan’s export pipeline, which
led Juba to halt production in 2012.

South Sudan got the lion’s share of the oil when it split from Sudan
in 2011, but it’s only export route is through Sudan, giving Khartoum
leverage and leading to ongoing pricing disputes

(ST)

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14 February 06:36, by Eastern

Has Kiir just realised the futility of subsidies? How did Kiir
expect to wag a costly war and pay subsidies on essential commodities
and his regime will remain afloat? Will Kiir’s regime officials pay
their hotel bills promptly? If not the Ethiopians and Eritreans will
close their businesses soon!!!!!

repondre message
14 February 06:38, by Eastern

The Ethiopian government was only siding with Kiir’s regime so as
to protect its business community in South Sudan. Once this groups’
interest is no longer there, Kiir would have lept from the frying pan
into the fire!!!!

repondre message
14 February 07:29, by South South

Eastern,

Kiir is staying in power as long as majority of people in
South Sudan are with him. Prepare yourself to live with that. In
Uganda a liter of fuel is 80ssp, in South Sudan a liter of fuel is
22ssp. Are hotels in Uganda closed because of fuel? No. Are hotel
prices in Uganda higher than South Sudan, No. South Sudan is South
Sudan and will make its decisions for benefits of its citizens.

repondre message
14 February 08:01, by Eastern

South Sudan,

Kiir’s majority will go with him. The rightful country
people will regain their country...

repondre message
14 February 08:08, by South South

Eastern,

The rightful people of South Sudan are those who
support their country to develop. They are the one who fought war for
21 years while those who are now crying like babies were hiding and
collaborated with enemies . Get rid of majority people who support
South Sudan government is like trying to move a big mountain with your
hands. I hope you get my point.

repondre message
14 February 13:38, by nuer food lovers

1-Nhail Deng Nhail, Pieng Deng kuol, Majak Agoot,
Pagan Amum, Oyay Deng Ajak, Elias waya, Thomas cirilo, Chol Thon
Balok, Athor Deng dut, Lual Deng wol, John Garang, James koang chuol
Ranley , James Hoth mai, John koang Nyuon and me dhongbang...made
south sudan what we are prouding today and being destroy by
malong,kiir, malual madut, Aldo Ajou,Martin Elia Lomuro, Makuei Lueth,
Taban deng Gai>>>>>

repondre message
14 February 13:45, by nuer food lovers

kiir will be remeber in the history of south
sudan..as the worst triator who oversee the destruction and
disintegration of south sudan.why is it always very bitter and accuse
the person that made his decision to leave government brand as
corrupt?

repondre message
14 February 06:42, by Akuma

Nile Pet made fuel has commodity like US Dollar and it couldn’t
spare South Sudan economy otherwise it better to stop Nile pet from
delivering services to citizens. Nile Pet is hub of corruption
practices in the country.