(Juba) – Basic food and household items in Juba have become significantly more expensive, causing concern among residents who say they are struggling to cope with the rising cost of living. According to commodity prices collected between 16th and 22nd June 2025, nearly all essential goods have seen sharp increases, with many now unaffordable for low- and middle-income households.
A 25 kilogramme sack of rice costs between 120,000 and 135,000 South Sudanese Pounds, equivalent to approximately $17.14–$19.29 USD at the parallel exchange rate of 1 USD = 7,000 SSP. Using the official Central Bank rate of 1 USD = 4,600 SSP, the same quantity would cost about $26.09–$29.35 USD.
Sugar, also sold in 25kg sacks, now ranges from 160,000 to 165,000 SSP ($22.86–$23.57 at the parallel rate; $34.78–$35.87 at the official rate), while a 20-litre jerrycan of cooking oil is priced at 165,000 SSP ($23.57 parallel; $35.87 official). Smaller 5-litre containers sell for 55,000 SSP ($7.86 parallel; $11.96 official).
The cost of meat has climbed to 40,000–45,000 SSP per kilogramme ($5.71–$6.43 parallel; $8.70–$9.78 official). Even common vegetables such as onions and garlic now cost 800–2,500 SSP per bulb ($0.11–$0.36 parallel; $0.17–$0.54 official). One mandazi (snack) costs up to 800 SSP ($0.11 parallel; $0.17 official), while bread now goes for 1,000 to 1,200 SSP ($0.14–$0.17 parallel; $0.22–$0.26 official).
Traders in Konyo-Konyo and Customs markets cite high transport costs, currency depreciation, and weak supply chains as key reasons for the sharp increases. Although prices are slightly lower in informal markets, the differences are not significant enough to reduce the pressure on struggling families.
Water, sold per crate, is priced at 18,000–20,000 SSP ($2.57–$2.86 parallel; $3.91–$4.35 official), while wheat flour (2kg) goes for 11,000 to 13,000 SSP ($1.57–$1.86 parallel; $2.39–$2.83 official). Kale (sukuma wiki), a popular green vegetable, is now sold at 6,000 SSP per kilogramme ($0.86 parallel; $1.30 official).
Current Juba Market Prices – Parallel vs Official USD Rates
| Item | Quantity | Price (SSP) | USD (Parallel, 7,000 SSP) | USD (Official, 4,600 SSP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | 25 kg | 120,000–135,000 | $17.14–$19.29 | $26.09–$29.35 |
| Sugar | 25 kg | 160,000–165,000 | $22.86–$23.57 | $34.78–$35.87 |
| Cooking oil | 20 L | 165,000 | $23.57 | $35.87 |
| Cooking oil | 5 L | 55,000 | $7.86 | $11.96 |
| Maize flour | 50 kg | 160,000 | $22.86 | $34.78 |
| Meat | 1 kg | 40,000–45,000 | $5.71–$6.43 | $8.70–$9.78 |
| Onion | 1 bulb | 800–1,000 | $0.11–$0.14 | $0.17–$0.22 |
| Garlic | 1 bulb | 2,000–2,500 | $0.29–$0.36 | $0.43–$0.54 |
| Bread | 1 piece | 1,000–1,200 | $0.14–$0.17 | $0.22–$0.26 |
| Salt | 1 packet | 48,000 | $6.86 | $10.43 |
| Cowpeas | 1 kg | 12,000–14,000 | $1.71–$2.00 | $2.61–$3.04 |
| Kale (Sukuma Wiki) | 1 kg | 6,000 | $0.86 | $1.30 |
| Mandazi (Snack) | 1 piece | 700–800 | $0.10–$0.11 | $0.15–$0.17 |
| Water | 1 crate | 18,000–20,000 | $2.57–$2.86 | $3.91–$4.35 |
While inflation is a concern in many parts of the region, the lack of official price controls and limited market regulation has left many South Sudanese households vulnerable. Over 60% of the population is already classified as food insecure, and many rely on market purchases for daily sustenance due to insufficient home-grown food.
Economic experts warn that unless urgent steps are taken—such as market stabilisation policies, enhanced support for farmers, and targeted subsidies for the most vulnerable—the country’s economic strain may deepen, especially in urban areas like Juba where market dependence is highest.
Consumers are urging the government to increase oversight and transparency in commodity markets and improve foreign exchange access to control inflation. Until then, residents in Juba and across South Sudan are bracing for continued hardship at the market stalls.
