WEB DESK: Food prices have risen sharply in Parwan province north of Kabul as key commercial border crossings with Pakistan remain closed, residents and shopkeepers said.
Traders said prices of basic staples have increased by 400 to 700 afghanis ($6–$11) in recent weeks. A 16-litre container of cooking oil has risen by about 500 afghanis, a sack of rice by up to 700 afghanis and a sack of flour by around 400 afghanis.
According to shopkeepers, a 16-litre container of cooking oil that previously sold for 1,550 afghanis now costs more than 2,000 afghanis. The price of a sack of rice has climbed to about 3,000 afghanis from 2,300, while a sack of flour has risen to around 1,800 afghanis from 1,400.
“Sixteen litres of oil used to cost about 1,550 afghanis, now it’s between 2,000 and 2,050,” said Ahmad, a shopkeeper in Parwan. “Large barrels of oil have also gone up sharply. Oil and rice prices have both increased.”
Residents say the price rises are compounding economic hardship in a country already grappling with widespread unemployment and poverty.
“Work is less than before and people’s purchasing power has fallen,” said Shahram, a Parwan resident. “Buying and selling have declined and the market has lost its previous vitality.”
The price increases are not limited to Parwan and have been reported in other parts of the country, including Kabul, residents said. With no sign of an imminent reopening of trade routes with Pakistan, many Afghans say they are struggling to afford basic food items.
