WFP Says Food Prices Rise in Afghanistan Despite Relative Market Stability
The World Food Programme has said that despite relative price stability in Afghanistan’s markets, the cost of a number of basic food items and agricultural products has continued to rise compared with last year, putting pressure on household purchasing power.
In a report published on Monday, 23 September, the agency said the price of wheat had increased by 13% compared with the same period last year. According to the report, the price of semi-premium wheat flour also rose by 12% over the same period.
The World Food Programme said the price of high-quality wheat flour was also up 7% from a year earlier. It added that the price of pilau rice and ordinary rice had increased by 22% and 35%, respectively.
The agency also said the prices of oil and sugar had risen by 14% and 11%, respectively, compared with last year. According to the WFP, the continued increase in the prices of food items and agricultural products has also pushed up production costs, despite the relative stability of the market.
The World Food Programme is one of the main aid agencies in Afghanistan and continuously monitors the country’s food security situation and market changes.
