The Central Bank of Sudan has introduced a new monetary strategy linking fuel imports directly to physical gold reserves.
Under the policy, importing companies must deposit 200 kilograms of 21-karat gold to obtain a fuel import licence.
The central bank says the measure is designed to strengthen national gold reserves and bring tighter control to the troubled petroleum sector.
Authorities argue that requiring gold collateral will curb currency speculation that has contributed to the sharp depreciation of the Sudanese pound.
The move comes as Sudan continues to face economic instability following the loss of its main domestic refinery amid the ongoing war.
With domestic refining capacity reduced, the country remains heavily dependent on imported fuel, placing further pressure on scarce foreign currency reserves.
Officials say the new framework will ensure fuel shipments are fully backed by tangible assets processed through official channels.
Critics, however, warn that locking large volumes of gold out of circulation could tighten liquidity and risk worsening fuel shortages and inflation.
The policy effectively ties Sudan’s energy supply chain to its gold reserves as authorities seek to stabilise a fragile economy under wartime conditions.
