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 โข 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. โข In May 2026, the highest MSSMEB prices were recorded in Malakal Town (Malakal County), Bentiu, Bentiu IDP Camp, and Rubkona Town (Rubkona County). โข 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. โข 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 consecutive months, the MPC values for the three locations were updated.