New transport fees at the Adré border crossing are adding strain to traders, raising concerns over higher costs and disrupted regional supply chains.
Local sources report the new charges total around 4,000 African francs per vehicle, pushing overall fees to roughly 13,000 francs, or about 350,000 Sudanese pounds.
These fees are on top of Sudanese charges, estimated at nearly 90,000 pounds per vehicle, not including additional zakat contributions and commercial taxes.
Traders say the rising costs are squeezing already thin profit margins and making cross-border trade between neighbouring communities more difficult.
Chadian authorities currently allow goods transport only via horse-drawn carts, banning trucks and larger vehicles. This slows deliveries and limits the volume of supplies reaching markets.
Transport and trade workers warn that higher costs are likely to push up commodity prices, passing the financial burden onto consumers.
Many traders fear that prolonged restrictions could weaken local markets, where supply shortages already threaten stability amid ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges in the region.
The fees follow earlier border restrictions imposed after Chad closed its border with Sudan on February 23, allowing only limited humanitarian crossings under tight controls.
The Adré crossing remains a vital link, providing essential goods and humanitarian aid to residents in Darfur.
