Sudan’s junta-controlled car market in Khartoum has surged to unprecedented levels since April 2023, pushing prices far beyond most citizens’ purchasing power.
A 2020 Santa Fe now sells for 120 million pounds, up from 18 million before the war, a staggering 566% increase.
The war devastated sales areas south of Khartoum and elsewhere, destroying hundreds of vehicles and sharply reducing overall supply.
Japanese Land Cruisers fetch more than 175 million pounds locally, despite a global value near $55,000, highlighting extreme price distortions.
Brokers cite tens of thousands of vehicles lost to looting, theft, and dismantling during armed forces’ control of the capital.
A Hyundai Atoz trades for around 9 million pounds, while a 2020 Toyota truck reaches 90 million pounds, roughly $25,000.
Customs duties on new vehicles, declining Sudanese pound value, and rising fuel costs widen the gap between local and global prices.
Police reports indicate approximately 153,000 cars were looted in Khartoum by June 2024, though actual losses may be considerably higher.
The 2025-2026 Santa Fe costs 200 million pounds in Sudan, equivalent to $90,000, nearly three times its international price.
Government measures in mid-2024 to allow limited used-car imports failed to ease the market, as high duties block new vehicles.
Industry experts stress recovery depends on customs reductions, recovering stolen vehicles, and stabilizing the exchange rate to curb soaring costs.
Until these issues are addressed, Khartoum’s car market remains crippled, leaving residents facing record prices and scarce options for mobility.
