Western Equatoria governor warns traders against festive price hikes

YAMBIO – The Government of Western Equatoria State has cautioned traders against hiking prices of essential goods during the festive season, as Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai rolls out new economic relief measures to support families ahead of Christmas.

Governor Berapai returned to Yambio on Thursday after a 10-day mission to Juba, where he held discussions with national authorities on the state’s liquidity crisis, market stability, and citizens’ immediate needs as the holiday season approaches.

He announced that the Bank of South Sudan, in coordination with the National Ministry of Finance and Planning, will begin increasing cash flow to all states starting 16 December 2025. The move aims to ease persistent cash shortages that have disrupted business operations, delayed government payments, and strained household spending.

Berapai issued a stern warning to traders against exploiting the festive period to inflate prices of food items and other essentials. He directed the State Ministry of Trade, county commissioners, and security agencies to conduct daily market inspections and hold accountable any trader found engaging in unfair pricing.

The governor further instructed security forces to enhance patrols to ensure peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to maintaining security and stability across the state.

He also extended early Christmas greetings to the public, expressing hope for a joyful and dignified celebration for every household.

“This Christmas will be celebrated with joy, dignity, and stability,” he said.

According to the State Ministry of Trade, joint inspection teams will be deployed in markets across Yambio, Maridi, Mundri, Tambura, and other major towns to monitor prices of essential commodities. Community leaders have welcomed the government’s intervention, urging traders to cooperate and avoid actions that could further burden struggling families.

Meanwhile, several traders in Yambio Market told Sudans Post that they support fair pricing but appealed to the government to address high transportation costs and a heavy tax burden, which they say significantly contribute to rising commodity prices.