Liquefied Gas Prices Surge Over 60% in Kabul amid Regional and Global Tensions
Market data from Kabul indicates that over the past month, prices of liquefied gas, petrol, and several food items have risen significantly, increasing living costs across various provinces. According to these findings, the price of one kilogram of liquefied gas has jumped from 55 Afghanis to 90 Afghanis, reflecting an increase of more than 60%.
During the same period, the price of one liter of petrol rose from 65 Afghanis to 82 Afghanis. Additionally, the cost of a 16-liter barrel of oil increased from 1,800 Afghanis to 2,100 Afghanis, and the price of a 25-kilogram sack of rice went up from 2,500 Afghanis to 2,900 Afghanis. The price of a sack of flour also rose from 1,500 Afghanis to 1,600 Afghanis, while the price of one ser (approximately 0.93 kg) of sugar increased from 330 Afghanis to 400 Afghanis.
Citizens report confusion and greater economic pressure due to the discrepancy between government-set rates and free market prices. They note that liquefied gas continues to sell in the free market between 85 and 90 Afghanis per kilogram.
Meanwhile, Mohammad Nabi Bahar, spokesperson for the Taliban’s “Emirati Companies” administration, attributed the rise in liquefied gas and petroleum product prices to regional and global factors, including tensions and conflict involving Iran. He explained that reduced supply in global markets, increased transportation costs, and rising demand are among the drivers behind the price surge.
The oil and gas company controlled by the Taliban administration announced that it is supplying liquefied gas through its own representatives to monitor the market. The company has set the price of liquefied gas at 66 Afghanis per kilogram in Kabul and Parwan, 67 Afghanis in Badakhshan, 64 Afghanis in Balkh, and 60 Afghanis in Herat. However, a significant gap between these official prices and free market rates persists.
