South Sudan Market Prices Fall in September Amid Persistent Constraints

A September 2026 market survey in South Sudan shows a 10% drop in the Multi‑Sector Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (MSSMEB) to 804,633 SSP, following a 16% rise in August. The food basket fell 7% in September, driven by lower prices for essential food and non‑food items. The sharpest increases were recorded in Wulu (MSSMEB +28%, food +45%), Pibor (+26%/ +41%), Tambura (+25%/ +31%) and Mundri (+18%/ +26%). Despite lower prices, traders cited a 41% depreciation of the South Sudanese pound, poor road conditions, high taxes, fuel costs and limited capital as key constraints, raising operating costs. Market functionality slipped to 18% limited in September from 24% in August, underscoring ongoing challenges to availability, affordability and accessibility of essential goods.