MAZAR-E SHARIF (SW) – In the early days of Ramadan, the prices of essential food items in Mazar-e-Sharif, the capital of Balkh province, have significantly risen.
Several residents of this city expressed concern, saying that the soaring cost of food items has rendered them unable to afford necessities. The simultaneous increase in market prices, coupled with the pervasive issues of poverty, unemployment, and limited job prospects, has exacerbated their plight.
According to them, in the past few days, the price of a sack of flour has increased by 100 Afghanis, a barrel of oil of 10 liters increased by 60 Afghanis, and the cost of a 7kg bag of onion and potato has risen by 50 Afghanis.
In response to these challenges, residents ask for stringent market control and supervision to alleviate the financial burden on the local population.
Zarif, a resident of Mazar-e-Sharif city, says: “The prices are too high. The price of a bag of flour has increased by 100 Afghanis, and a can of oil has increased by 60 Afghanis. We ask the Islamic Emirate to stop the overselling.”
Sharifullah, another resident of Mazar-e-Sharif, emphasizes, “Most people are unemployed, and hunger is at its peak. We request merchants and shopkeepers not to sell expensive. The government should prevent them so people can buy what they need.”
Meanwhile, officials in Mazar-e-Sharif municipality say that they have taken action by establishing a commission to control and prevent high-priced sales.
Mohammad Kazem Tariq, the mayor of Mazar-e-Sharif, told Salam Watandar: “The commission for controlling rates is working seriously. Any shopkeeper who oversells, we will seal their shops and will not allow them to operate for two days.”
Previously, Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Acting Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate, asked the officials to seriously control the market prices to prevent the surge in the price of food items by “opportunistic” people.
