Some residents of Kabul complain about the high prices of food items, saying that despite the decrease in the dollar exchange rate, the prices of essential goods remain high.
According to reports, since last Sunday, the value of one US dollar has dropped by about 5 afghani. Based on the latest announcement from the Central Bank, today’s exchange rate for one US dollar is set at 73.85 afghani.
“Everything has become expensive, not just flour, but also gas, oil, rice, potatoes, and onions have increased in price,” stated Mohammad Anwar, a Kabul resident.
“When the dollar rate goes up, traders increase food prices, but when the dollar rate goes down, there is no change in prices,” said Samiullah, another Kabul resident.
“Both the government and traders have the ability to reduce prices, but ordinary people do not have such power,” said Mahmood, another resident of Kabul.
The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that fluctuations in the dollar rate affect food prices and hopes that practical steps will be taken to lower prices.
“The supply of afghani in the market has decreased, which has led to an increase in the dollar rate. Efforts should be made to ensure that this increase does not significantly affect prices, and both the Islamic Emirate and traders should pay attention to this issue,” said Khan Jan Alokozai, a member of the chamber’s board of directors.
Meanwhile, the Kabul Municipality emphasizes that it is working to control prices in the markets.
“The Kabul Municipality is making every effort to prevent overpricing, and the prices set by the Commission for the Prevention of Hoarding and Price Control should be implemented in the markets,” stated Nematullah Barakzai, a representative of Kabul Municipality.
Afghanistan is one of the countries that imports most of its essential goods from abroad.
