KABUL (SW) – Officials from Kabul Municipality say that they have commenced a program to distribute coal at low prices to residents in the city.
Nematullah Barekzai, a cultural advisor to the Kabul Municipality, says that this year, one ton of coal will be sold for 6,500 afghanis across 22 districts of capital.
He added, “Kabul Municipality began distributing coal yesterday (on Wednesday, December 18), designating 22 locations across the city. The coal will be sold at 6,500 afghanis per ton, and citizens can visit these sites to buy coal as needed, either in small quantities or daily. Each family is allocated one ton of coal, which is intended to help warm their homes during the winter.”
Hamid and Saifuddin, two Kabul residents who went to one of the coal distribution points, explained that, initially, they had to get approval from their community representative (village chief) and then from the relevant municipality district office. After receiving the distribution slip, they were able to collect the coal.
Hamid said, “We went to the community representative, who approved our request. Then we went to the district office and, after receiving the voucher, we got the coal. It was easy; I bought half a ton. Compared to the market, the government-supplied coal is much cheaper. Here, the price for one ton is 6,500 afghanis, while private shops charge between 12,500 and 14,000 afghanis.”
Saifuddin also commented, “It’s a good deal; it burns well, and the distribution point is conveniently located, making it easier for us to access.”
Currently, the price of one ton of coal in Kabul’s markets exceeds 12,000 afghanis. Kabul Municipality officials have mentioned that a price list for private coal vendors in Kabul has not yet been set.
