Sudan’s falling currency leaves household budgets under pressure
War-related disruption has driven up prices and weakened purchasing power, even as annual inflation eased in July.
The Sudanese pound’s sharp decline is making basic goods and services harder to afford as war disrupts production, trade and foreign currency earnings. Al Jazeera reports that households are cutting meals, delaying medical care and withdrawing children from school as incomes and savings lose purchasing power.
In Port Sudan, tea seller Aisha told Al Jazeera her daily earnings have risen in pounds since the war began, but higher costs have absorbed the increase. She said 1,000 pounds, which once bought five pieces of bread, now buys three. Sugar and transport have also become more expensive, while beef is beyond her budget.
Sudan’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported annual inflation above 41 per cent in July, down from 51 per cent in June. Prices were still rising: the consumer price index increased nearly 1.5 per cent between June and July.
Black-market traders quoted 7,500 pounds to the US dollar on 22 September, although rates vary between cities and dealers. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces began in April 2023.
UNDP estimates the economy has contracted by more than 40 per cent during the war, with one-third of businesses closed. The World Bank estimates extreme poverty rose from 48 per cent in 2023 to 59 per cent in 2025. An IPC assessment said 19.5 million people faced acute food crises between February and May.
Economics researcher Maryam Ibrahim told Al Jazeera that cash assistance can help families meet urgent needs, but payments need to keep pace with changing prices. She said longer-term support for livelihoods, agriculture and small businesses is also needed.
