POL-E KHOMRI CITY (SW) – Residents of Pol-e Khomri city, the center of Baghlan province, complain about the increase in the prices of food items in this province, saying that people cannot afford to buy essential goods. The residents of this city demand from local officials and shopkeepers to reduce the prices of basic commodities in the markets of this province.
Rostam, a resident of Pol-e Khomri city, expressing his dire economic situation, adding, “My request from the government is to pay attention to the shopkeepers because the prices need to come down.”
Mohammad Hassan, another resident of this city, also says, “It is the blessed month of Ramadan, and we ask the authorities to monitor the shopkeepers and control the unreasonable high prices, and cooperate with the people.”
Although, some shopkeepers in Pol-e Khomri city confirm the high prices of basic commodities, but they mention the import of food items from abroad, shortage of goods, and increased demand from people as reasons for the rise in prices of food items in this province.
Mohammad Yaqub, a shopkeeper in Pol-e Khomri city, says, “Our country is not a manufacturing country; it is an importing country. It is not clear if these goods come from Malaysia, Indonesia, or Russia. The more the dollar rises in the market, the shopkeeper is forced to buy and supply at a higher price; if there are no goods in the market, it will cause problems.”
Shayan, another shopkeeper in Pol-e Khomri city, also says, “We have our problems. One is that the dollar fluctuates in the market; the other is the shortage of goods, which increases the demand from people. Everyone comes and asks for goods. The demand is high, and companies sell goods at high prices.”
On the other hand, the officials of Pol-e Khomri Municipality ask shopkeepers in this city not to engage in price gouging, and serious action will be taken against those who hoard goods.
Abdullah Latif Mazlumyar, the mayor of Pol-e Kh0mri, tells Salam Watandar, “Three days before Ramadan, we distributed new price lists to all sectors, and the commission in this sector is active and working; if anyone is caught in price gouging, they will be arrested, and legal action will be taken against them.”
Every year, with the arrival of Ramadan, the prices of basic commodities increase in most provinces, and citizens complain about the rise in the prices of these goods.
