Fuel prices keep fluctuating in Afghanistan as import dependence comes under scrutiny
Continued volatility in the prices of oil and gas in Afghanistan’s markets has raised public concern about further price increases and weak oversight of the fuel market. While fuel prices are changing in different parts of the country, Afghanistan’s heavy dependence on imports has been identified as one of the main factors affecting this market.
Mohammad Nasser Rahimi, head of Afghanistan’s Oil and Gas Company, told Tolonews that most of the oil and gas needed by Afghanistan is imported from regional countries, and that any development at the regional level can affect fuel prices and supply in the country.
Referring to problems in the Strait of Hormuz, he said the situation had disrupted the global energy chain and had naturally affected Afghanistan as well. According to him, when countries that previously received their energy from Gulf states face problems, they turn to other sources to meet their needs, and as a result, the amount of supply available to Afghanistan decreases.
According to Rahimi, Iran, Turkmenistan, Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan are among Afghanistan’s main sources of oil and gas imports. He added that imports from exporting countries are continuing and that no restrictions have so far been imposed by these countries on exports to Afghanistan.
Rahimi also said that nearly 160 companies across Afghanistan are active in the oil and gas import sector. He said commissions have also been appointed in cities to prevent hoarding and excessive price increases.
However, citizens have expressed concern over the continued instability in fuel prices and have called for closer market oversight and efforts to prevent sharp increases in petroleum product prices. Afghanistan’s fuel market, due to the lack of large-scale domestic production, depends on imports from regional countries — a factor that makes it more vulnerable to external developments.
