KABUL (SW): With the arrival of Eid-ul-Adha, an evident surge is seen in the prices of dry fruits that are selling like hot cakes as part of the festivities.
A number of Kabul residents told Salam Watandar while buying dry fruits that the prices are skyrocketing. They criticized the government for failing to regulate the prices for such special occasions.
Mohammad Hussain, one of the customers, said not many people can afford the dry fruits for Eid due to joblessness and other economic constrains. Zarghoona, another Kabul resident, said in this regard that the prices of dry fruits are out of the control of poor people. The residents vehemently criticized the government for not taking any measures against the prevailing situation.
On average, per kilogram of pistachios cost up to AFN 800, almonds AFN 850, raisins AFN 350 and walnuts AFN 750 AFN.
The shopekeepers acknowledged that the prices have gone up by AFN 100 to AFN 200 per kilogram. Ahmad Fahem, one of the traders, said economic constraints have led to drop in sales as not many people can afford to purchase.
Meanwhile, Sayamuddin Pasarlay, spokesman for the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCI), while expressing similar concerns about the rising prices of dry fruits, said efforts are underway to constitute a commission of traders and shopkeepers to regulate the prices. He noted that the ACCI is trying hard to bring the prices down before Eid.
Previously, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries had made similar claims about price control.
ENDS
