Traders have shut down all fuel stations in Wau in protest of a government decision requiring them to revise down the price of one litre of fuel from 16 South Sudanese pounds to maximum 13 South Sudan pounds, according to local authorities.

Officials say there was no reason to increase the prices since the government provides fuel subsidies to import the commodity.

Speaking today, Deputy Wau Town Mayor Manut Akec said traders decided unilaterally to shut down all fuel stations on Sunday and they remained closed early Monday.

“I was surprised yesterday my driver returned with the vehicle without fuel because all the stations were closed. The traders did not inform the government and they were asked reasons for closing down. They said it was because of the decision of the government to reduce the prices from 16 pounds to 13 pounds.”

“They are saying that this will be a big loss to them because they bought the goods and at services at higher prices,” said Akec.

Makir Gai, a wholesale businessman with several distribution centres and shops spread across the states of Bahr al Ghazal, confirmed in a separate interview but said he and some his colleagues were in communication with the government and business groups to bridge the gap so that all the fuel stations could resume normal operations.

“The traders have not refused what the government is saying. What they are saying is that they should be allowed not to sell at these current prices because they incurred a lot of losses,” said Gai.

File photo