Prices of necessary goods began to rise sharply as southern Sudan's referendum approached.

Sudan's economy, which is largely dependent on south Sudan oil revenues, is therefore at threat of collapse. Many economists believe the north has no other resources to be used as substitute for oil if the south decides to break away.

Sudan, previously seen as potentially rich in agricultural capabilities, has lately turned out to be entirely dependent on oil. Yet, many studies concerning post-referendum economic conditions in Sudan predict a gloomy economic forecast. Sudan's external liabilities may even worsen the situation if the international community does not show any sign of flexibility with regard to Sudan's huge debts.

The opposition, which have lately shown serious concern about current economic conditions in Sudan, have been threatening to call for popular uprising if the ruling National Congress Party does not reconsider its current economic proposals. The opposition has also called for thoughtful plans that would put an end to placing large financial burden on citizens.

They, however, denounced the government's failure to address key economic problems that face Sudanese people in their daily life. Cognizant of the opposition's stance on current developments, security authorities in Khartoum arrested Dr. Hassan Al-Turabi , the leader of the opposition's Popular Congress Party for his latest statements.

Al-Turabi, who is also a famous international Islamic figure, expected massive outrage due to harsh economic conditions drifting the country. The south, on the other hand, has not been safe from these economic downturns. The northern parts of southern Sudan have yet been inflicted by dramatic inflation, with necessary food items' prices tripling in some places.

Notwithstanding domestic opposition, Khartoum has always insisted to apply controversial policies amidst worries that they may soon prove incapable to solve current escalating economic problems in Sudan. Many domestic and international voices have always been warning against future economic shocks in Sudan.

The European Union had already presented several studies about post-referendum economic scenarios in Sudan, one of these studies was the EU's Post-2011 Scenarios in Sudan, which viewed all future possibilities in Sudan with concern. Competition over economic resources between all parties in Sudan may, in a way or another, trigger off waves of protest similar to that of Tunisia and Algeria in which sabotage led to destruction of basic infrastructure in some regions.

These protests do not only wreak havoc on economic conditions, but also open the door for political instability. The result would definitely be unpredictable in a country that was totally devastated by wars.

The declaration of southern Sudan's political status at the end of the referendum process would, however, have further implications on Sudan economy. In case of voting for independence, South Sudan would undoubtedly reconsider her economic plans in order to meet the requirements of the new nation.

The South, which is 98% dependent on oil revenues, would demand full grip on oil that is mostly produced in its territories. Unless the north and south come to terms, economic conditions will still be unclear in both the south and north. Dependency on international aid may still be required to maintain economic balance in Sudan.

Economic downturns may also place further pressures on other economic activities that have not yet been directly affected. Livestock sector can also be threatened as well if current economic plans fail to address key economic problems. Although the United States have promised to lift economic sanctions, other political complexities in Darfur may still hinder this process.