Fuel Prices Surge in Herat as Winter Approaches, Sparking Public Concern

As winter approaches, the prices of firewood and coal have soared in Herat province, raising concerns among many residents. Citizens say that due to poverty, unemployment, and reduced purchasing power, they are unable to afford the heating fuel their families need.

Several firewood and coal vendors in Herat attribute the rising prices to a halt in coal imports from Pakistan and restrictions on the use of domestic wood. According to them, these factors have led to a shortage in fuel supply in the market.

Mohammad Esmail, deputy head of the firewood and coal sellers’ union in Herat, says the price of four kilograms of coal has reached 250 to 300 Afghanis, making it unaffordable for many people. He emphasized that import routes from Pakistan are closed, and only a small amount of coal is being smuggled into the market.

In response, local officials of the Taliban administration in Herat say they have increased market monitoring to prevent hoarding and price gouging. A spokesperson for Herat’s municipality announced that a specific pricing list for fuel has been established and that municipal teams oversee its implementation daily.

Nevertheless, residents stress that monitoring alone is not enough. They argue that with frequent electricity outages, the absence of support programs and the Taliban administration’s failure to alleviate poverty have made winter life increasingly difficult for low-income families.