(JUBA COUNTY) – South Sudan’s Ministry of Trade and Industry has held high level talks with the leadership of Central Equatoria State aimed at addressing rising commodity prices and easing pressure on consumers facing worsening economic conditions.
The meeting, held in Juba on May 21, brought together the National Minister of Trade and Industry, Hon. Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya, Central Equatoria State Deputy Governor H.E. Paulino Lukudu Obede, and Juba City Council Mayor representatives alongside other officials.
Discussions focused mainly on proposals to reduce taxes on essential commodities, particularly food items and fuel, as authorities attempt to respond to soaring market prices affecting households and businesses across South Sudan.
Officials said rising inflation, delayed salaries for civil servants, exchange rate instability, and supply chain disruptions were continuing to place heavy pressure on the cost of living.
The meeting reflected growing concern within government institutions over the impact of high prices on consumers, traders, and the wider economy.
Both the national ministry and Central Equatoria State leadership agreed on the need for tax reductions as part of wider efforts to stabilise prices and improve access to essential goods.
Deputy Governor Paulino Lukudu Obede said the state government was closely monitoring the increase in commodity prices and warned that continued economic pressure could create security risks in local markets and communities.
He said the rising cost of living was becoming a serious concern for many South Sudanese families already facing economic hardship.
According to the Deputy Governor, weak regulation and poor discipline in tax collection systems had contributed to excessive charges on goods entering markets.
He added that the state government was prepared to cooperate fully with the national government and the Ministry of Trade and Industry to address the current economic difficulties.
South Sudan’s economy has continued to face pressure from currency volatility, high import costs, transport disruptions, and declining purchasing power among consumers.
The South Sudanese pound has remained under pressure against the US dollar, increasing the cost of imported food, fuel, construction materials, medicine, and other consumer goods.
Although no specific tax figures were announced during the meeting, business operators in Juba have repeatedly raised concerns over multiple taxes and fees imposed along supply chains and transport routes.
Traders have argued that high operating costs are eventually passed on to consumers through increased market prices.
In response to the concerns raised during the meeting, Trade and Industry Minister Dr. Labanya Margaret Mathya praised the Central Equatoria leadership for bringing forward the issue of inflation and commodity prices.
The minister said the concerns discussed during the meeting would be presented to the National Council of Ministers and the government’s Economic Cluster for further action.
She said the aim was to encourage immediate cooperation between national and state authorities to identify practical measures that could reduce taxes on essential goods and ease the financial burden on citizens.
The discussions come at a time when many households in South Sudan are struggling with rising prices for food and transport, while businesses continue facing foreign currency shortages and increased import costs.
Economists say any reduction in taxes on fuel and essential goods could help lower transport expenses and improve market supply conditions if implemented effectively.
However, analysts also note that wider economic reforms, exchange rate stability, and improvements in supply chains will remain critical for lasting price stability across South Sudan.
The meeting signals growing pressure on authorities to respond to the country’s inflation challenges as businesses and consumers continue to face difficult economic conditions in Juba and other parts of the country.
