Sudan: Port Sudan Fuel Depot Fire Sparks Humanitarian Crisis And Fuel Shortage

A devastating fire at strategic fuel depots in Port Sudan entered its second day on Friday, with plumes of smoke still rising over the city.

Although sources indicate the flames have not spread to the fifth warehouse, the impact has already triggered a severe fuel crisis.

The black market price of petrol has surged to SDG 70,000 per gallon, with long queues of vehicles forming outside fuel stations.

According to a report by Radio Dabanga, public transport in Port Sudan has almost completely collapsed due to the ongoing fuel crisis, with residents struggling to find alternative means of transportation.

Similar fuel shortages have hit Kassala and River Nile states, where people are waiting for hours at petrol stations.

The Ministry of Energy has sought to calm fears, claiming fuel supplies remain stable and available.

However, former Undersecretary of Energy, Suleiman Hamed, has warned of long-term consequences, citing the destruction of one of only two strategic fuel warehouses in Port Sudan.

The Sudan Doctors Network reports 17 injuries, including nine cases of suffocation due to toxic fumes.

Hospitals across Port Sudan have been placed on emergency footing, and authorities have been urged to issue a public health alert.

Meanwhile, merchants are reportedly exploiting the crisis, and government oversight is weak.

The situation in Port Sudan remains dire, with residents facing power outages, high food prices, and a lack of clean drinking water.

The Red Sea State Security Committee issued emergency measures banning cafes, mobile vendors, and freelance tradespeople from operating in sensitive areas.

“These are potential hotspots for gatherings that could jeopardise public security,” the Committee said in a statement, pledging strict enforcement in coordination with other authorities.

The Committee added that the restrictions were temporary and intended to “contain the current situation and strengthen security in the Red Sea.”

It urged citizens to cooperate with security forces to ensure stability.

Source:https://energynewsafrica.com