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Kabul Food Crisis: Soaring Prices Amid Border Closures and Fuel Hikes

The World Food Programme has documented significant price increases for basic food items in Kabul markets. Border closures between Afghanistan and Pakistan have severely disrupted trade routes and driven up transportation costs. Local residents report flour prices jumping from 1,400 to 1,550 afghanis while daily wages remain stagnant. Afghanistan's heavy reliance on food imports makes market prices vulnerable to any trade disruptions with neighboring countries.

Key Points: WFP Reports Food Price Surge in Kabul Markets Amid Border Closures

  • Border closures with Pakistan disrupt essential food imports to Afghanistan
  • Fuel price hikes and Salang Highway shutdown increase transportation costs
  • Basic food items like flour and rice have risen by up to 100 afghanis
  • Local workers report daily earnings insufficient to cover rising living expenses
2 min read

WFP reports soaring food prices in Kabul amid border closures, fuel hikes

World Food Programme warns of sharp food price increases in Kabul as Pakistan border closures and fuel hikes drive up transportation costs, hitting Afghan families hard.

"Ever since the tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan started, prices have gone up, businesses are down, and people are struggling. - Mahiuddin, Kabul resident"

Kabul, October 25

The World Food Programme (WFP) has reported a significant surge in the cost of basic food items in Afghan markets as commercial crossings between Afghanistan and Pakistan remain closed, Tolo News reported. The humanitarian body cited border closures, rising fuel prices, and the shutdown of the Salang Highway as major factors driving up transportation costs and, consequently, food prices.

Shopkeepers in Kabul have noted sharp increases in essential goods over the past two weeks. Prices for staples like flour, rice, and cooking oil have reportedly risen by up to 100 afghanis.

Mahiuddin, a Kabul resident, told Tolo News, "Previously it was 1,400 AFN (over $20), and now it's up to 1,550 AFN. Ever since the tension between Afghanistan and Pakistan started, prices have gone up, businesses are down, and people are struggling."

Another local, Ajmal, said, "From morning to night I'm out here, and my day is wasted. I have a pushcart and make about 50 afghanis a day. I don't know what to do."

Based on compiled data from the past fortnight, a bag of flour has risen from 1,400 to 1,530 AFN, rice from 2,300 to 2,400 AFN, and a 16-litre container of cooking oil from 1,480 to 1,600 AFN. Mohammad Amin, a shopkeeper, added, "Oil prices have gone up by 100 AFN, and flour and rice have also become more expensive."

The high cost of fuel has further compounded the economic strain on residents. Farid Ahmad, a Kabul driver, said, "The dollar has gone down, but fuel prices are still up. Previously, they used the rising dollar as an excuse, but now that it's dropped, prices should be controlled. People are struggling financially."

Ramin, another driver, echoed the concerns, stating, "Our demand from the government is to control fuel and gas prices so that those who work hard in Afghanistan can at least see the result of their efforts."

Afghanistan relies heavily on imports of essential goods, including flour, rice, and cooking oil, sourcing them from Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and China. Any disruption in trade with these countries tends to directly impact local market prices, Tolo News noted.

As the situation continues, Afghan families and workers are facing mounting financial pressure amid rising living costs and trade restrictions.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from India who has seen how border tensions affect trade, I can understand the situation. When India-Pakistan borders face issues, we see similar price hikes in border states. Hope the situation improves soon for our Afghan neighbors.
A
Aditya G
The government should have contingency plans for such situations. When basic food items become unaffordable, it creates a humanitarian crisis. They need to find alternative trade routes immediately.
S
Sarah B
Reading about Ajmal making only 50 afghanis per day with his pushcart puts things in perspective. That's less than $1 USD. How can anyone survive on that? The international community needs to step up humanitarian aid.
K
Karthik V
This shows why countries need to be self-sufficient in food production. Relying heavily on imports makes you vulnerable to political tensions and border issues. Afghanistan should focus on developing its agriculture sector.
M
Michael C
While the situation is terrible, I appreciate that the WFP is monitoring and reporting this. At least there's some transparency about what's happening. Hope this leads to concrete action to help the affected families.

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