The supply of fuel is a critical component of logistics operations in South Sudan. The country currently has no oil refineries and relies heavily on fuel imports to service its domestic needs.  Historically, the vast majority of fuel supplies were imported from Sudan using barges and trucks, however in recent times; the majority of fuels have been imported from neighboring countries Kenya, Uganda and to a limited extent Ethiopia. The availability and price of fuel has seen dramatic fluctuations in the last two years. Fuel prices vary around the country with the cost of transport, including the various taxes levied by the national and state governments affecting the price.

Currently the supply of fuel is erratic with suppliers trucking in the majority of fuel from neighbouring countries with the major in-country suppliers having direct access to Kenyan refineries. However, a high demand for fuel and the Government’s push to become fuel self-reliant has lead to plans for the rapid development of the countries own refining capability. Current plans include a proposed pipeline to the port of Lamu that would also include the construction of a refinery at the port. In the short term, the construction of a number of smaller refineries is planned.

The market for fuel is relatively transparent and there are few barriers to entry save for the high investment costs involved. Since the closure of the border with Sudan, the regular supply of fuel from that country has decreased dramatically and since fuel has to be trucked in, supply remains erratic with retail outlets regularly experiencing fuel shortages. As a result, larger fuel importers have responded by increasing their fuel bunkering capacity either within South Sudan, or in strategic locations in neighboring countries to ensure a constant supply of fuel. 

For information on South Sudan Fuel contact details, please see the following links:

Fuel Prices - Mytravelcost Wesbite (updated monthly)

4.7 South Sudan Fuel Providers Contact List

Fuel Pricing

The government has set a price ceiling at which suppliers can sell fuel in order to protect local consumers against high fuel prices. These prices change on a regular basis for all fuel types and is linked to the fluctuating exchange rate.

Seasonal Variations 

During the rainy season when most of the country becomes inaccessible by road, the availability of fuel in certain areas and price fluctuations becomes an issue. Fuel suppliers have historically responded to this by increasing their fuel bunkering capacity in strategic locations. In recent times and due to improved road infrastructure, and an improved security situation, most major towns are reachable during the wet season.

Fuel Transportation

Historically river barges and road tankers from Sudan were utilised to transport fuel into South Sudan. This import method is still in effect as there are no strategic pipeline assets in place to transport petroleum products from refineries in neighbouring countries to states and major urban centres within South Sudan. Currently, fuel tankers from Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia transport the vast majority of fuel to major supply depots around the country. Fuel barges from Juba also transport fuel to downstream locations with road tankers transporting fuel to outlying depots from there. Currently, the fuel transport system is able to keep up with demand; however a sudden surge in demand would put a strain on the available supply and transport capacity. The supply of fuel into the north of the country remains intermittent, which is compounded by the length of the supply chain from refineries in neighbouring countries and road accessibility constraints during the rainy season.

Standards, Quality and Testing

The National Bureau of Standards and the Ministry of Energy and Mining is responsible for the setting and enforcement of fuel standards and quality in South Sudan. Currently, however, the enforcement of such standards remains challenging and the country is reliant on the standards set by neighboring countries from which fuel is imported. Furthermore, current standards enforcement is only limited to visits and the testing and calibration of distribution meters at retail stations to protect consumers from unregulated pricing. All major suppliers have installed their own filters and firefighting equipment.

Currently there are no national testing laboratories and commercial companies have the best capacity to test fuel within the country. Dalbit fuels have access to a Society General de Surveillance (SGS) laboratory in Rumbek to test and re-certify AGO diesel fuel. The company is also able to test Jet-A1 Fuel to ensure that it conforms to international standards. Other large suppliers like Tristar who have the UNMISS contract both for diesel and Jet A1 are running training programs for the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to establish standards and QC for ROSS ministry personnel. 

For information on South Sudan Fuel, please see the following dated but still relevant document: 

UN Survey of the Humanitarian Fuels Situation and Prospects in South Sudan 2004

South Sudan Transporters

The demand for road freight transport has grown significantly since independence. The result is that a large number of local and foreign owned transport providers have entered the market with a variety of capacities and services to offer. This sector is characterised by small to medium sized vehicle fleets and vehicles of differing capacities and maintenance levels. Larger transport providers are able to offer full transport services and operate into neighbouring countries.

In general, road freight transport companies range from small to medium sized operations with access to additional fleet capacity through owner-operator vehicles. Most operators are able to operate throughout the country however in some instances such as during the rainy season or in areas posing a potential security risk transporter can refuse to travel or increase transport costs.

The road freight transport sector is able to meet the current demand of the humanitarian community and foreign operators are allowed to operate domestically on condition that companies are registered. As with other business sectors, the government is actively encouraging local development and ownership and in some instances requires local shareholders in foreign owned companies.

For information on South Sudan Transporters contact details and fleet information, please see the following links:

4.8 South Sudan Transporter Contact List

South Sudan Transporters

Historically labour costs were based on the wage laws of the Republic of Sudan, however since independence labour laws such as those stipulating a national minimum wage have been under review. The current Labour Bill of 2012 however defines various issues surrounding acceptable working conditions such as a 48 hour work week, the calculation of overtime payments and annual and maternity leave provisions.

Manual labour is readily available however in some sectors unions play important roles in determining numeration 

Rates vary currently with the fluctuating exchange rate.

The Ministry of Telecommunications and Postal Services (MOTPS) is responsible for the development of the countries telecommunications infrastructure and to oversee and regulate the telecommunications network and service providers. The country has no formal landline telephone network and telecommunications services are provided through satellite and mobile communications networks. Various large international mobile phone providers are present in the country, most urban centers and along major roads have mobile phone coverage. Sim cards are readily available in the market and registration is not required. Mobile Internet is available on all networks however data costs are still relatively high. 

For information on South Sudan Telecommunications contact details, please see the following link: 

4.1 South Sudan Government Contact List

4.11 South Sudan Additional Services Contact List

Telecommunication Regulation

Currently no formal telecommunications regulations are in place. The Directorate of Spectrum Management is currently responsible for the allocation of frequencies and agreements. The Ministry of Telecommunication and Postal Services (MOTPS) aims to establish a Telecommunications Regulator by 2014 and is currently working with various international actors in this regard.

Existing Humanitarian Telecoms Systems

The humanitarian communications system is well developed and present with 24 hour staffed radio rooms located in all major state capitals and areas with a permanent humanitarian presence.

The WFP lead Emergency Telecommunications Cluster (ETC) has been active in South Sudan since September 2011 following the official separation of South Sudan from Sudan. The aim of the ETC is to improve humanitarian coordination by providing humanitarian agencies the ability to communicate via a stable and secure telecommunications systems in remote areas.

For information on South Sudan  Humanitarian Telecoms Systems additional details, please see the following document: 

Emergency Telecommunications Cluster Provision of ICT Services in South Sudan

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

South Sudan is one of the most expensive countries in Africa in terms of Internet usage, with an average retail cost of USD$ 4,000 per megabit via satellite. All licenced service providers use satellite-based V-Sat and WiMax technology as the country has no established fibre optics network, nor is it directly connected to East Africa’s internet fibre-optic networks serviced by The East African Marine Systems (TEAMS), Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and SEACOM providers.

The Ministry of Telecommunication and Postal Services (MOTPS) plays an oversight function and is in charge of regulating and licencing of local telecommunications companies. Currently there are no national carrier in South Sudan, however the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of a national telecommunications operator in May 2013.

Overview

4.10 South Sudan Supplier Contact List

There are no established suppliers for food (Maize, CSB, Pulses, Sugar, Oil or RTE (Ready to Eat) produced in South Sudan. Most locally produced foodstuffs are available in local markets or transported to larger markets in urban areas. Most foods are imported from neighbouring countries Uganda and Kenya.

WFP’s 'P4P' unit has started to establish business relationship with a selection of farmers’ organisations and cooperatives in Western and Central Equatoria with the aim of stimulating local production and making surplus food available to the wider market.

Operational support items such as water tanks, generators tents and basic IT equipment are readily available in major market centres around the country, however specialised items would need to be imported from neighbouring countries. 

Generic country information can be located from sources which are regularly maintained and reflect current facts and figures. For a general overview of country data related to the service and supply sectors, please consult to following sources:

 The Observatory of Economic Complexity – MIT (OEC) South Sudan -Page 

Disclaimer: Inclusion of company information in the LCA does not imply any business relationship between the supplier and WFP / Logistics Cluster, and is used solely as a determinant of services, and capacities. Please note: WFP / Logistics Cluster maintain complete impartiality and are not in a position to endorse, comment on any company's suitability as a reputable service provider.

South Sudan Additional Service Providers: Vehicle Rental, Taxi Companies, Freight Forwarding Agents, Handling Equipment, Power Generation and ISPs

Since independence the market of service providers have expanded exponentially with both national and international companies providing a host of support services. As in other business sectors, domestic operators and service providers have also seen significant growth and the government is actively encouraging the development of local ownership. However the growth in this sector and the quality of the services provided is constrained by a shortage of specialised skills in the local labour market and the perceived difficulty of doing business in South Sudan.  

Vehicle Rental

Various vehicle rental companies are present in South Sudan with a wide selection of vehicles available for hire. The vast majority of such companies however have small vehicle fleets with varying capacities and vehicles maintained to questionable standards. No large international vehicle rental companies are present in South Sudan and organisations looking to augment their vehicle fleet will need to negotiate directly with vehicle owners.

Taxi Companies

The taxi industry is unregulated and characterised by privately owner-operated vehicles and motorbikes. There are a number of larger locally owned taxi operators however travel rates vary and needs to be negotiated for. Travel by motorbike or ‘boda-boda’ is readily available and at a relatively low cost, however at significant risk due to prevailing road conditions. In general the use of locally available taxi’s and motorbikes is reliable; however it does pose some personal security risk to travellers. As no taxi operators have ‘passenger liability’ insurance. Hence, it is advisable that international travellers include this in any travel insurance. 

Freight Forwarding Agents

A number of freight forwarding companies and brokers with varying capacities are operational in South Sudan. The larger operators have good contacts within relevant government departments and access to a variety of logistical services including air, water and land transport providers making their services relatively reliable. The majority of freight forwarding agents are situated in Juba with a smaller number located in other major towns. 

Handling Equipment 

Handling equipment can be rented from local commercial companies or acquired in the market. Most specialised equipment need to be imported from neighbouring countries however.

Non-standardised pallets can be manufactured in the local market, in general however all wooden and plastic pallets are imported.

Electricity and Power 

The Ministry of Energy and Dams is responsible for the development of the country’s electricity infrastructure. In 2012, the ministry established the South Sudan Electricity Corporation (SSEC), which oversees the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity within the country, and most of the state capitals now have some electrical power, commonly referred to as ‘City power’. The in-country power-generating infrastructure consists of large diesel operated power plants and distribution systems. However, the electrical power coverage is limited to these urban areas and prioritized for local administration/government and local hospitals, as the power grid is severely limited. The electricity supply in South Sudan is only partially accessible in certain areas and in these areas the supply is often erratic, and characterised by frequent power outages due to broken power units, or more commonly, a lack of fuel.

The most recently commissioned power plants and electrical distribution systems are situated in Juba, Malakal, Wau, Bor, Yambio, Rumbek and Renk. The power production plant for Juba has been greatly improved in terms of efficiency but still coverage of the town is limited. Malakal has good coverage through large functioning diesel generators. Considering that power generation is largely unreliable and inconsistent it is essential that major organizations have their own power generating capacity and back-up units. Small to large portable generators are readily available in local markets. In 2012, the country had approximately 33MW of installed generating capacity with partial access mainly to the towns Juba, Malakal and Wau.

In 2012, the Government entered into an agreement with the government of Ethiopia to import electricity into the country. The agreement called for the installation of a 230 KV transmission line from Gambela and a 500 KV transmission line from the Grand Renaissance Dam in Ethiopia to South Sudan. The agreement is to come into affect upon the completion of the dam.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs)

South Sudan is one of the most expensive countries in Africa in terms of Internet usage, with an average retail cost of USD$ 4,000 per megabit via satellite. All licenced service providers use satellite-based V-Sat and WiMax technology as the country has no established fibre optics network, nor is it directly connected to East Africa’s internet fibre-optic networks serviced by The East African Marine Systems (TEAMS), Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and SEACOM providers.

The Ministry of Telecommunication and Postal Services (MOTPS) plays an oversight function and is in charge of regulating and licencing of local telecommunications companies. Currently telecommunications regulations are set to change with the adoption of new regulations in late 2013.Currently there are no national carrier in South Sudan, however the Council of Ministers approved the establishment of a national telecommunications operator in May 2013. In late 2012, the country had five licensed Internet Service Providers and this number continues to grow with an estimated 15 ISPs currently in various stages of operation.