Lebanese Soldier Killed in Army Vehicle Explosion in Southern Lebanon

Getting to work, school, or the hospital in Sudan's capital, Khartoum, has transformed into a daily struggle for survival amid the ongoing war. Thousands of families face an impossible choice between affording transportation and covering basic necessities such as food, medicine, and education as fares skyrocket and incomes plummet.

The crisis has deepened with the return of displaced people to Khartoum and its surrounding cities, while essential services remain severely limited. The number of operational vehicles falls far short of the demand, further driving up costs. Higher prices for fuel, spare parts, and general operating expenses have pushed fares to unsustainable levels. Passengers endure lengthy waits, frequent fare adjustments, and a persistent shortage of vehicles on numerous routes.

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The war has not only raised prices, but also reduced job opportunities. A worker pays to travel there and back without any guarantee of finding work or earning money by the end of the day.

Damaged infrastructure and road closures have further complicated commutes, lengthening journeys and forcing many to use multiple vehicles, significantly increasing daily expenses. The economic strain is evident in official figures: gold export revenues of approximately $370 million in the first quarter were dwarfed by fuel import costs exceeding $697 million, highlighting a stark gap between earnings and essential imports.

Bus driver Abdullah Ali, who lost his own bus and sustained an injury when fighting began, now works as a hired driver. He reports that his income barely covers daily needs and is insufficient for license renewal. Many drivers face similar challenges, unable to afford licensing and maintenance fees as prices for fuel, oil, and tires continue to rise. The impact extends to the transport of goods, with the cost of diesel significantly increasing the price of moving products from Port Sudan to markets and export ports.

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The price of a gallon of diesel has exceeded 40,000 pounds, raising the cost of transporting goods from Port Sudan and production areas to markets and export ports.