The cost of fuel, petrol and diesel, has increased by eight percent in the last four months which has raised concerns among motorists across the country.
Fuel sellers said the increase in price on international markets and also the decrease in value of the Afghani against the US dollar are the main reasons for the price increase.
Statistics show four months ago; one liter of petrol cost 46 AFN and one liter of diesel cost 43 AFN. But now, one liter of petrol costs 59 AFN and one liter of diesel costs 55 AFN.
“When the cost of fuel increases on global markets and when there are changes in the value of foreign currencies, these all affect the cost of fuel on the local market,” Saleh, a manager of a fuel distributing company said.
In the meantime, Fuel and Gas Enterprise officials said a number of people who have an influence on the fuel market may increase the cost to earn more money.
Mustafa Khalazai, deputy head of the Fuel and Gas Enterprise, said those people who deliberately increase fuel prices or misuse the conditions will be treated based on the law.
“So far, the changes in fuel prices on the Afghan market is because of changes on the international markets. We do not reject that some people may misuse such opportunities for earning more money,” said Khalazai.
Meanwhile, a number of Kabul residents and motorists have complained about the increase in the price of fuel and urged government to control the market and to help curtail rising prices.
“It has created problems for both drivers and people. If the drivers do not charge more money for passengers, then they cannot cover their costs, but if they charge more money, then it is difficult for people,” Ajmal, a Kabul resident said.
“It is very difficult for drivers who transfer passengers in the city to make a living. Because the cost of fuel has gone up and also there is heavy traffic in the city,” Ferozuddin, a driver said.
According to the statistics of Fuel and Gas Importers Union, Afghanistan imports 2.7 million tons of fuel and gas a year which costs at least $2.5 billion. However, this figure does not include the gas and fuel being smuggled in to the country illegally.
A number of economic affairs analysts meanwhile say government should invest in the sector and in mines in order to enable the country to use its own oil and gas.
