KABUL: (Oct 23) As winter nears, residents of Kabul are already feeling the pinch of steeply rising firewood and coal prices, prompting concerns among low-income families who rely on these fuels to survive the harsh Afghan winter, Tolo News reported.
Despite the weather still being relatively mild, prices for heating fuel have surged dramatically.
“Wood and coal have become very expensive, and people can’t afford them. Many are unemployed, and the government should pay attention to this issue,” said Abdul Karim, a resident of Kabul.
Another resident, Mohammad Saber, said, “A cart of firewood costs 12,000 Afghanis and winter hasn’t even arrived yet. A sack of coal now costs 1,700 to 1,800 Afghanis. We ask the government to lower the prices.”
Vendors in the capital confirmed the price spike, citing rising transportation costs, taxes, and fuel expenses as key reasons.
“A cart of firewood from Khost and Paktia is now 12,500 Afghanis. Mulberry and walnut wood costs between 7,500 and 8,000 Afghanis per cart. Compared to last month, oak wood has gone up by about 1,500 Afghanis,” said Nazirullah, a firewood seller.
Coal prices have also climbed sharply. “This coal comes from Dara-e-Suf. Two to three months ago, it was priced between 9,400 and 9,500 Afghanis. Now it’s gone up to 11,700 or even 11,800 Afghanis,” said Raqib, a coal merchant.
The Kabul Timber Sellers’ Union blamed import restrictions and delayed government intervention for the situation.
“If the government allows the import of Kunar wood now, prices could drop to around 8,000 Afghanis. But it must act immediately. If they wait until late winter, prices may rise to 13,000 or 14,000 Afghanis,” warned Ajmal Wahidi, head of the union.
Economic experts say the fuel crisis could worsen unless the Taliban government steps in to regulate markets and facilitate imports. They argue that coordinated efforts between traders and authorities could stabilise prices and ease the burden on families struggling to afford heating fuel.