Fuel Prices Soar in Kabul, Putting Pressure on Afghan Households
People in Kabul and several other parts of Afghanistan are facing tough times as fuel prices sharply increase. This rise is making everyday life harder, especially for commuters and families worried about higher food costs and basic supplies.
In the past month, the price of one liter of petrol has gone up by 4 Afghanis, diesel by 6 Afghanis, and LPG gas by 2 Afghanis per kilogram, according to local reports from TOLO News. This sudden jump is causing frustration, particularly among taxi drivers and daily commuters.
Taxi drivers say the higher fuel costs are hitting their earnings hard. Many blame traders and traders’ associations for raising prices without accountability. “Fuel and gas prices have increased by 11 Afghanis in just one month. Traders sit together and decide to hike prices, and no one asks why,” said taxi driver Mohammad Tahir.
Another driver added, “When one truck breaks down in Salang, it pushes fuel prices higher in Kabul. Nobody is responsible for these sudden changes.” Drivers are calling on Afghan authorities to step in and address the crisis quickly.
Many drivers criticize big traders for manipulating prices. Sher Ahmad, a taxi driver, explained, “When traders increase fuel and gas prices by 10 Afghanis, they only lower them by 1 Afghanis later. The same pattern happens with food prices too.”
They also pointed out that when the US dollar rises, prices go up, but when it falls, prices tend to stay the same, showing a lack of fair pricing policies.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment explains that global fuel prices play a big role in this inflation. They mention a $150 increase per ton of fuel in international markets, along with bans on low-quality fuel imports and difficulties with fuel exports from Russia and Kazakhstan as major reasons for the price hike.
Afghanistan relies heavily on imported fuel and gas, with only about 10% produced locally. Due to limited investment in local resources, the country remains dependent on imports, which makes prices vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
Experts say investing in domestic resources and improving fuel import management could help stabilize prices. This could bring relief to Afghan families and ease the economic strain caused by rising fuel costs.
Stay updated for more news on Afghanistan’s economy and how it affects ordinary people.
