Sudan inflation rate hits 37 percent

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KHARTOUM, Sudan, July 16 (UPI) -- The Sudanese government reported the June rate of inflation passed the 37 percent rate, almost a 7 percentage point increase from the previous month.

The Sudan Central Bureau of Statistics reported a June inflation rate of 37.2 percent. The rate for May was reported at 30.4 percent, the independent Sudan Tribune reports.

The Sudanese currency has declined in relation to the U.S. dollar as the Khartoum economy falters. A January decision by South Sudan to cut oil production hurt the oil-dependent economy of the northern government.

Protests in Khartoum erupted June 17 as the government announced plans to move forward with austerity measures.

Opposition leaders accused Sudanese security forces of firing tear-gas canisters at protesters during June demonstrations. U.S. officials said force was no way to deal with economic problems.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir last week said those in the country who were waiting "for foreign support" would not see it develop "because Sudan has a hot summer that will burn its enemies and grill them."

A joint statement from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International this week estimated around 2,000 demonstrators have been rounded up since protests first erupted in June.