KABUL (SW) – Residents of Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, express concerns over the rising prices of food items in the city’s markets. They attribute the increase in prices to the fluctuating exchange rate of the Afghani currency against the US dollar.
Sher Mohammad, a Kabul resident in Mandawi market in the city, says, “The prices in the city need to be controlled. We are confused because we came here to buy food items, but prices are high. They say the dollar has gone up. If the dollar drops, food prices will become cheaper for the people.”
Khair Mohammad, another Kabul resident who also came to the Mandawi market to meet his food needs, share his frustrations. “I bought one kilogram of beans for 120 afghanis. Prices must be controlled, and if they are not, we may end up paying 150 afghanis for the same kilogram by next time. Prices are changing minute by minute,” he said.
Noor Alam, a shopkeeper at Mandawi market, explains that due to the rise in the dollar’s value, food prices have also increased. “The previous day, the price of one bag of flour was 1300 afghanis, and today it is 1400 afghanis. A 16-liter barrel of oil, which was 1700 afghanis, is now over 1900 afghanis. Rice, which was 2100 afghanis, is now 2300 afghanis. In general, the prices of all food items have increased.”
Salam Watandar attempted to get a response from the Kabul Municipality under the Islamic Emirate regarding this issue, but officials did not respond to Salam Watandar’s inquiries.
Meanwhile, some economic experts suggest that the Islamic Emirate should inject more foreign currency into the market to stabilize food prices. “It’s natural for the prices of essential goods to fluctuate. The government should take measures and inject more foreign currency into the market to help stabilize prices.”
officials from the Afghanistan’s central bank stated on Saturday, that currency fluctuations in Afghanistan’s financial markets are normal, just like in other countries, and citizens need not worry.
The bank confirmed that it has sufficient financial resources and is taking necessary actions to stabilize prices, ensure liquidity, and meet the needs of foreign exchange markets and financial institutions.
