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Kabul's Winter Crisis: Why Firewood and Coal Prices Are Soaring Amid Poverty

Kabul residents are worried about the sharp increase in firewood and coal prices ahead of winter. A cart of firewood now costs 12,000 Afghanis while coal prices have reached 1,800 Afghanis per sack. Local vendors attribute the price hikes to rising transportation costs and fuel prices. Many unemployed families cannot afford these essential heating materials as winter approaches.

Key Points: Kabul Residents Struggle With Rising Firewood and Coal Prices

  • Firewood prices reach 12,500 Afghanis per cart from Khost and Paktia regions
  • Coal prices surge from 9,500 to 11,800 Afghanis from Dara-e-Suf
  • Sellers blame transportation costs and fuel prices for the increases
  • Union head suggests Kunar wood imports could lower prices to 8,000 Afghanis
2 min read

Afghanistan: Kabul residents voice concern over increasing prices of firewood, coal

Kabul families face winter heating crisis as firewood prices hit 12,000 Afghanis and coal costs surge to 1,800 Afghanis per sack amid unemployment and inflation.

"Wood and coal have become very expensive, and people can't afford them. Many are unemployed, and the government should pay attention to this issue and the rising prices. - Abdul Kareem, Kabul resident"

Kabul, Oct 23

Ahead of winter season, a number of Kabul residents have voiced concern over the increasing prices of firewood and coal in local markets, local media reported on Thursday.

They said that prices of coal and firewood have increased despite the weather still being relatively warm, causing problems for families having low-income, Afghanistan's leading media outlet Tolo News reported. Residents of Kabul said that the people cannot afford to buy wood and coal due to its increased price.

"Wood and coal have become very expensive, and people can’t afford them. Many are unemployed, and the government should pay attention to this issue and the rising prices," Abdul Kareem, a local resident, was quoted as saying by Tolo News.

"A cart of firewood costs 12,000 Afghanis — and winter hasn’t even arrived yet. A sack of coal now costs 1,700 to 1,800 Afghanis. We ask the government to lower the prices," said another Kabul resident Mohammed Saber.

Meanwhile, firewood and coal sellers in Kabul have confirmed the increase in price and have attributed the price hike to increasing transportation costs, taxes, and fuel prices.

Nazirullah, a firewood vendor, has mentioned increased prices of mulberry, walnut wood and firewood. He said, "A cart of firewood from Khost and Paktia is now 12,500 Afghanis. Mulberry and walnut wood costs between 7,500 and 8,000 Afghanis per cart. Compared to last month, the price of oak wood has increased by around 1,500 Afghanis."

According to coal seller Raqib, the price of coal that comes from Dara-e-Suf was previously between 9,400-9,500 Afghanis. However, he stated that the price has now reached 11,700 or even 11,800 Afghanis.

Ajmal Wahidi, head of the Kabul Timber Sellers’ Union, said that the price could reduce to around 8000 Afghanis if the government allows the import of Kunar wood. However, he mentioned that the decision regarding imports must be taken immediately or the prices may increase to 13,000 or 14,000 Afghanis.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Reminds me of the LPG cylinder price hikes we face in India. When basic necessities become unaffordable, it hits the poorest the hardest. Hope the authorities take quick action before winter sets in properly.
S
Sarah B
The vendor's explanation about transportation costs makes sense, but the government should subsidize these essential items during winter. This is a basic human need, not a luxury.
A
Arjun K
While I sympathize with the people's plight, I wonder if some of these price increases could be managed better. The union head mentioned importing Kunar wood - why isn't this being expedited? Sometimes bureaucracy costs lives in winter.
M
Meera T
This situation is really worrying. In our Himalayan regions, we face similar challenges with rising fuel costs. The government should consider price controls on essential heating materials during peak winter months.
D
David E
Looking at the numbers - 12,000 Afghanis for firewood when winter hasn't even started? That's alarming. The authorities need to step in with subsidies or alternative heating solutions for low-income families.

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