Cooler temperatures in Sudan spark spending frenzy

Trade in the Sudanese capital Khartoum has increased significantly, as falling temperatures in the last week created a frenzy in the market.

Shops, parks and entertainment venues were bursting with people due to the steep decline in temperature in Khartoum and across Sudan invigorating the capital’s market and trade activities.

Adel Abdul Aziz, Director General of the Ministry of Finance, Economy and Consumer Affairs of the State of Khartoum, confirmed to Al Arabiya English that the weather change in Khartoum has revived commerce and increased consumer spending.

He said the current climate helped increase production at work, resulting in an increase in trade and production.

Temperatures around Khartoum fell to between 19 and 22 C with partly cloudy weather this week. Light rain was also registered across the capital. During this period annually, Sudan experiences temperatures reaching 45 to 55 degrees.

Abdulaziz al-Mahal, Professor of economics at Sudan University, said that although it is seasonal, the current increase in spending are not normal and is being attributed mainly to the weather impact.

“Although there is no authorized statistics showing the rise in production due to the moderate weather, weather impacts consumption trends of some goods,” professor al- Mahal said.

“Moderate weather increases the individual’s productivity rather than the hot weather. Developed countries are located in the cold weather belt and countries with weak economy are in the hot weather belt, because in the case of moderate weather working hours increase and productivity of the individual increases.” He added.

The moderate climate encouraged the 8 million population to leave their homes to enjoy the outdoors and nature at its best.

According to the General Manager of Sena Hypermarkets, a Khartoum-based supermarket chain, sales have increased by 40 percent last week due to the combined impact of the weather along with the Eid shopping.

“Shops had to hire extra workers to meet customer demands,” said Taysir al-Fadil.

Price increases, also, have not affected purchasing power during this period, al-Fadil said, adding that this has offset the weakening power of the Sudanese pound against the US dollar.

Sudan is one of the countries with the highest inflation rates in the world.

The rate increased from 32.63 percent in June to 34.23 percent in July, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics.

Experts said that the instability of the Sudanese pound against the US dollar is causing a continuous rise in the prices of goods and services.

Despite that, Yasser Haroun, an employee, expressed his happiness with the exceptional weather in Khartoum.

“The low temperature was reflected in the public mood and created an active atmosphere where people are enjoying life,” he told Al Arabiya English.

Salma Ibrahim, a university student, said that Khartoum’s nice weather greatly relieved her daily woes of public transportation to get to university.

“Me and my friends are enjoying this weather in parks, open areas, and shopping as it should not be missed”.