South Sudan Joint Market Monitoring Initiative (JMMI) 4 - 13 May 2026

Country: South Sudan Source: REACH Initiative Please refer to the attached file. KEY FINDINGS • Between April and May 2026, the median cost of the Multi-Sector Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (MSSMEB) declined by 3%, while the food basket fell by 5%. This overall decrease was primarily driven by lower prices for key food commodities, including maize (-25%), sorghum (-6%), cooking oil (-5%), and beans (-4%). However, increases in milling costs (25%) and soap prices (3%) placed upward pressure on the MSSMEB, though these increases were not sufficient to offset the broader downward trend. • In May 2026, the highest MSSMEB prices were recorded in Malakal Town (Malakal County), Bentiu, Bentiu IDP Camp, and Rubkona Town (Rubkona County). • These findings reflect broader structural challenges across South Sudan that continue to limit further price reductions. According to May JMMI data, traders cited high taxation (38%), poor road conditions (36%), high fuel prices (32%), South Sudanese Pound (SSP) depreciation (29%), high checkpoint costs (24%), and lack of capital (23%) as key constraints affecting trade and restocking activities. • Between April and May 2026, MSSMEB and food basket costs increased sharply in Melut (Melut County), rising by 38% and 32%, respectively. In Paloich (Melut County), the MSSMEB increased by 33%, while the food basket rose by 35%. In Marial Bai (Jur River County), both the MSSMEB and food basket increased by 23%. In Mundri Town (Mundri County), the MSSMEB and food basket increased by 21% and 16%, respectively. Compared to the reference month, Juba recorded MPC increases of 21% in April and 19% in May, Panyijiar recorded increases of 32% and 17%, and Tambura recorded increases of 22% and 24%. As these increases exceeded the 15% buffer threshold for two consec...

Original source: Relief Web