Sudan bread prices double as hunger fears grow

Bread prices in Sudan's capital Khartoum have doubled over the past week, adding pressure on households already hit by war, fuel shortages and a falling currency.

A loaf in Khartoum now costs 500 Sudanese pounds, up from 250 pounds. Most bakeries in the capital have closed because of surging wheat prices and fuel shortages.

Sudan imports most of its wheat, making bread prices vulnerable to the weakening currency. The Sudanese pound lost about 25 percent of its value against the dollar over the past month, hitting more than 10,500 pounds to the dollar before recovering slightly to around 10,200 on Wednesday.

International organisations have warned that famine could spread in Sudan. Around 20 million people suffer from severe food insecurity, and more than 200,000 people in South Kordofan and North Darfur are experiencing famine, according to UN-backed reports.

The war has divided Sudan between areas held by the army and areas controlled by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. Fuel shortages, high prices and road closures linked to fighting are also limiting aid deliveries outside Khartoum.