The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, under Taliban administration, has called on traders and importers to increase imports of petroleum, diesel, and liquefied gas in order to prevent a potential shortage of fuel products. The request comes amid public complaints over a sudden rise in fuel prices.
Some residents say that the price of petrol has increased by around 10 afghanis per litre in recent days. According to them, petrol previously sold at 67 afghanis per litre, but it has now risen to 76 afghanis, and in some areas it is being sold at between 75 and 80 afghanis.
A Kabul resident said that during tensions between Iran and the United States, fuel prices did not experience such significant fluctuations; however, despite the relatively stable situation now, fuel prices have risen across the country.
Meanwhile, some fuel traders say that hundreds of fuel-laden trucks remain stuck at customs offices in Herat, Farah, and Nimroz. According to them, most petroleum products for western and southwestern Afghanistan are imported from Iran, while central and northern regions are supplied from Central Asia and Russia.
The Chamber of Commerce and Investment also discussed issues related to the supply and transportation of fuel, particularly gas, in a consultative meeting addressing challenges in several regional countries.
Sayed Karim Hashemi, head of the chamber, urged traders to increase fuel imports as a matter of national responsibility and to ensure the supply of high-quality petrol, diesel, and gas to the market in order to prevent potential shortages and the sale of substandard fuel.
The Taliban have not yet issued an official statement regarding the recent increase in fuel prices.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
