The cost of commodities and services has shot up in Sudan as fighting escalates in the country.

According to the United Nations humanitarian agency, the price of basic commodities such as fuel, food staples, and water has gone up by 60 percent or more due to supply challenges resulting from the clashes in Khartoum and other parts of Sudan.

This is a new setback to Sudan’s stagnant economy. Shortages of main goods such as flour and vegetables have been reported in the capital along with unprecedented price hikes.

Khartoum is the business hub for most industries and services. Factories are located in parts of the city where intense fighting is happening. Some of them have been looted.

Sudan is an important exporter of gum Arabic, gold, sesame, peanuts, and livestock. But the economy has been held back by decades of sanctions and international isolation, as well as mismanagement and corruption.