Why Are Fuel Prices in Afghanistan Skyrocketing?
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Synopsis
As fuel prices in Afghanistan reach alarming levels, residents are grappling with the consequences on their daily lives. This surge is affecting household budgets, transportation, and food costs, prompting urgent calls for accountability and action from authorities. Discover the root causes behind this crisis and its impact on the Afghan people.
Key Takeaways
- Fuel prices in Afghanistan have surged considerably.
- Taxi drivers face significant challenges due to rising costs.
- Authorities are urged to take swift action.
- Only 10% of fuel is produced domestically.
- Investment in local resources could stabilize prices.
Kabul, Sep 6 (NationPress) The citizens of Kabul and various other provinces in Afghanistan are encountering increased difficulties as fuel prices escalate, putting pressure on family finances and affecting transportation. This significant price increase has generated discontent among drivers and commuters, many of whom are concerned about its impact on food prices and essential commodities, as reported by local media on Saturday.
According to Afghan media outlet TOLO news, in the last month, the cost of one liter of petrol has jumped by 4 Afghanis (the official currency of Afghanistan), diesel has risen by 6 Afghanis, and liquefied gas has increased by 2 Afghanis per kilogram.
Taxi drivers across the nation express that the surge in fuel costs poses severe challenges for their livelihoods, while no entity seems willing to tackle the situation.
“This is purely the traders’ fault. Every ten days, they collaborate to inflate fuel and gas prices. Over the last month, fuel prices have surged by 11 Afghanis,” TOLO news reported taxi driver Mohammad Tahir as stating.
“When fuel prices rise, gas prices follow suit, and there’s no accountability. If just one truck malfunctions in Salang, the fuel prices in Kabul spike,” voiced another driver.
Many drivers in Kabul are calling on Afghan authorities to promptly address the increasing fuel expenses.
“My grievance lies with the national traders who are influential figures in the country. When they elevate fuel and gas costs by 10 Afghanis, they only lower them by 1 Afghani later. The same trend applies to food prices,” noted Sher Ahmad.
Another taxi driver from Kabul raised a red flag, stating, “This situation requires serious attention, and traders must be held accountable. When the dollar increases, prices soar, but they remain unchanged when it drops.”
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment has identified three primary factors contributing to the rising prices: a $150 increase per ton of fuel in global markets, a prohibition on low-quality fuel imports, and complications with fuel exports from Russia and Kazakhstan.
Reports indicate that Afghanistan produces only 10 percent of its fuel and gas domestically, relying heavily on imports due to insufficient investment in local resources.
Economic experts contend that investing in domestic resources and enhancing import management could alleviate price fluctuations and lessen public suffering.
Point of View
It is imperative to recognize the challenges faced by the citizens. The rising costs not only strain household budgets but also threaten essential services and goods. The NationPress will continue to advocate for transparency and accountability from the authorities to ensure that the needs and voices of the people are heard and addressed.
NationPress
06/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors are contributing to rising fuel prices in Afghanistan?
The rising fuel prices in Afghanistan can be attributed to a $150 increase per ton of fuel in global markets, a ban on low-quality fuel imports, and difficulties with fuel exports from Russia and Kazakhstan.
How does the increase in fuel prices affect daily life in Afghanistan?
The increase in fuel prices significantly impacts household budgets, disrupts transportation, and raises the costs of essential goods and food items, leading to heightened public frustration.
