Despite Global Oil Price Decline, Fuel Prices Remain High in Afghanistan
While oil prices have fallen in international markets, citizens and drivers in Afghanistan say fuel and gas prices in domestic markets remain high, and the decline in global prices has had little noticeable impact locally.
Drivers and residents say that although prices have dropped slightly, the reduction is not enough to ease economic pressure.
Abdul Samad, a resident of Kabul, said: “Previously, we bought one kilogram of liquefied gas for 35 to 40 afghanis, but now the price has risen to 56 to 57 afghanis, creating difficulties for people.”
Currently, diesel is being sold at 66 afghanis per liter, petrol at 65 afghanis per liter, and liquefied gas at 56 afghanis per kilogram in Afghan markets.
The decrease in prices has been limited to about one afghani for fuel and three afghanis for gas.
Omid, a driver, said: “Fuel and gas prices are still high. If prices do not come down, we may be forced to stop working.”
Jamal, another driver, added: “We ask the government and traders to reduce fuel and gas prices because people cannot afford them at current rates.”
Meanwhile, economic analysts emphasize that the decline in global oil and gas prices should also be reflected in domestic markets.
Shamsur Rahman Ahmadzai, an economic analyst, said: “The fuel currently available in the market was imported earlier, but we hope that with falling global prices, fuel and gas prices in Afghanistan will also decrease.”
Officials of the Islamic Emirate say efforts are underway to reduce prices in the country.
Kochi Yousafzai, a spokesperson for the company, said: “We are witnessing changes and reductions in fuel prices in the market. God willing, we will continue our efforts to further lower the prices of fuel and gas.”
Afghanistan imports a significant portion of its oil and gas needs from neighboring countries, and recent developments in the Middle East have also had a negative impact on the prices of essential commodities, including fuel, in Afghanistan.
