The Face of Truth: The Price Hikes Devour People..
By Ibrahim Shglawi
At the meeting of the Higher Committee for Emergencies and Crisis Management in Khartoum State, chaired by Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza, Deputy Chairman of the Sovereignty Council Malik Agar called on the government to take urgent measures to ensure the continuous availability of basic goods in the markets, emphasizing that the stability of the capital represents the cornerstone for the stability of the Sudanese state. He stressed the necessity of confronting opportunists and monopolists in light of the economic repercussions resulting from the Gulf War, highlighting the effects of rising fuel prices on the cost of services, and the importance of finding urgent solutions to the electricity production deficit, including transitioning to solar energy as a strategic alternative.
War by its nature reshapes the economy, but in Sudan, commodity prices turn into a dual-edged tool that affects citizens’ ability to endure, revealing the entities that effectively control distribution and supply networks. Inflation not only reflects production costs or general inflation but also shows how economic and social powers dominate daily life, becoming a silent indicator of the power balances in control.
A significant portion of price increases has no economic justification but is the result of opportunism by those capable of controlling the market, exploiting the fragile situation to make quick profits. Here, inflation transforms from a living crisis into a political tool within the battle to control the country’s resources, as citizens face the loss of purchasing power while unseen forces benefit from the absence of oversight and regulation.
In this context, the critical role of the government emerges: punishment alone is insufficient to stop these practices; it must be paired with effective legal enforcement, alongside incentives for producers and sellers who maintain reasonable prices, and promoting a responsible marketing culture that alleviates the daily burden on citizens. With this balance between deterrence and encouragement, the market can be transformed into a fairer space, protecting citizens from exploitation while encouraging competition that reduces unjustified profit margins and limits monopolies.
Within mitigation efforts, the experience of cooperative markets affiliated with the military institution stands out, offering goods at near-cost prices and creating a direct channel between producer and consumer. This initiative has contributed to curbing price surges, yet its impact remains limited due to geographical concentration and lack of expansion into peripheral neighborhoods in greater need. Its sustainability remains contingent upon integration into a broader vision that balances intervention and fair competition.
In wartime, markets do not remain merely spaces for commodity exchange; they become parallel arenas of influence. Just as territorial control maps shift, so do maps of consumer goods control. Hence, inflation becomes an expression of deeper imbalance, where people’s lives are managed according to power rather than need.
The locality of Karari provides a telling example, highlighting disparities between Sabreen Market and other markets, especially those on main streets. In Sabreen, the sales philosophy focuses on expanding the consumer base by lowering prices, ensuring stable profits. Conversely, some other markets tend to maximize rapid profit, even at the expense of citizens’ purchasing power, creating a price gap unjustified by actual cost differences.
Nonetheless, inflation cannot be treated as an inevitable fate. Much of it results from weak administration, lack of vision, and absent oversight. A state that fails to control distribution outlets or monitor markets opens the door to a shadow economy, where regulatory rules collapse, goods become value stores, and the burden on citizens multiplies.
The deeper impact of inflation extends beyond the economy to the social fabric.
When citizens cannot secure their necessities, trust in government institutions erodes, and solidarity values decline in favor of individual survival logic. Here, the loss is not merely economic but affects the structure of a cohesive society.
In the Sudanese context, these challenges are exacerbated by fragile economic infrastructure, declining production, and disrupted supply chains. With the currency’s devaluation, inflation becomes a daily reality, weighing heavily on cities dependent on unstable supplies.
Nevertheless, confrontation remains possible, requiring political will that moves beyond reactive responses toward organized action. It begins with resetting markets, activating oversight, and strictly combating monopolies, alongside supporting supply chains, directing resources to basic goods, and enhancing social protection networks.
Nonetheless, according to Ibrahim Shglawi, confronting inflation in wartime is not impossible, but it requires strong political will and practical vision that goes beyond reactive responses.
This confrontation begins with resetting markets, activating oversight bodies, and enforcing strict anti-monopoly policies. It also requires supporting supply chains through exceptional means, directing resources toward basic goods, and strengthening social protection networks for the most affected groups.
Stay well and safe.
Monday, April 6, 2026
Shglawi55@gmail.com