Fuel shortages force UN to halt South Sudan food delivery

More than 60,000 people are in dire need of food in South Sudan as delivery of aid has been suspended due to fuel shortages, the UN's humanitarian agency has said.

It says the suspension of food delivery comes as the UN “runs low of fuel” following the decision by the government to impose levies on the supplies imported by UN agencies, diplomatic missions and international organisations.

Since February, South Sudan's government has imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and in the country.

Last week the government assured the UN that its agencies would be exempted from the taxes, but there has been no action taken so far.

The number of people affected will increase to 145,000 by the end of May, if the government does not remove the taxes imposed on UN and international NGOs, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (Ocha) warned on Monday.

Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan appealed for the urgent removal of the taxes and charges according to the agreement between the government, the UN and NGOs so that they could "continue to support people who are in need".

“We urge action by the government on the assurances to prevent humanitarian operations by the United Nations and non-governmental Organizations from coming to a standstill,” she added.

The UN estimates that 9 million people in South Sudan will need humanitarian assistance, with an estimated 7.1 million people projected to be at risk of experiencing acute food insecurity during this year’s lean season.