Fuel Prices Rise in Afghanistan Despite Global Oil Price Drop

Despite a decline in global oil prices following easing tensions between Iran, the US, and Israel, fuel prices in Afghanistan have been on the rise. Residents of Kabul and several provinces report that petrol prices have recently reached between 77 to 81 Afghanis per liter, and diesel prices range from 69 to 75 Afghanis per liter, marking an increase compared to previous weeks.

Sources within the petroleum market cite reduced imports, particularly from Russia and Iran, as the main cause of this increase. They explain that Ukrainian attacks on some Russian refineries have limited Russia’s fuel supply, while recent conflicts have made imports from Iran more difficult. Traders add that the domestic market currently relies mostly on previous reserves, which has further pressured prices upward.

In response, the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment held an emergency meeting with oil and gas traders. Officials from the chamber stated that the meeting aimed to explore ways to prevent abnormal price hikes, avoid fuel shortages, and improve the quality of petroleum products, with the goal of maintaining market stability.

Meanwhile, many citizens have voiced concerns about the rising cost of living, noting that higher petrol and diesel prices have also pushed up transportation fares and the price of essential goods. They are calling for stricter market oversight and transparent management of fuel imports by the Taliban administration—a demand that has become increasingly important given Afghanistan’s dependence on energy imports under the current circumstances.