KABUL (SW): Da Afghanistan Breshna Shirkat (DABS) has increased the power tariff by up to 25 percent citing the rising in value of the U.S. dollar against afghani (AF).
Waheedullah Tawhidi, spokesman for the power utility told journalists here on Sunday that the greenbacks have risen steadily against the local currency afghani leaving DABS no choice but to adjust it via the power tariff. The new tariff would see a spike on multiple levels depending on the amount used.
The base tariff of afn 2 would now be charged at afn 2.5 in the capital and some provinces utilizing imported electricity.
The DABS spokesman said that last year, power transmission contract with the exporting countries was set with the USD being traded at around 58 AFN but now that has soared to 68 AFN causing a financial loss of $ 18 million last year. He feared that if the prices were not adjusted, DABS would see detrimental consequences.
The move has irked Kabul residents. Hafi Fazal Haq, a local man told Salam Watandar that the government should provide relief instead of imposing additional financial burdens.
Afghanistan heavily relies on imported electricity at the cost of some $ 220 million per annum.
ENDS
