Afghanistan Sees Slight Fuel Price Drop Amid Global Surge from Middle East Conflicts

Conflicts in the Middle East have driven up global fuel prices, but in Afghanistan prices for diesel, petrol and liquefied petroleum gas have fallen slightly in recent days after an initial increase of up to 10 Afghanis.

Diesel prices dropped from 66 Afghanis to 62 Afghanis per liter, petrol from 66 Afghanis to 61 Afghanis per liter, and liquefied gas from 55 Afghanis to 50 Afghanis per kilogram.

Economic expert Sair Qureshi attributed the decrease to lower import taxes in Afghanistan, market-determined pricing by traders and imports mainly from Central Asian countries.

Drivers in Kabul welcomed the reduction but said it was insufficient to ease their economic pressures. "Even though fuel rates are controlled, we cannot work enough to cover both vehicle and family expenses," said Amin, a driver. Ahmad Milad, another driver, added: "If the gas price is, for example, 60 Afghanis, it saves us up to 250 Afghanis, and if it is 50 Afghanis, it saves us 300 to 350 Afghanis, and we also pay taxes to the government, and this high price is difficult for us."

Fuel companies blamed the recent price hike on regional developments and pledged continued market monitoring to ensure stability and prevent hoarding. Mohammad Nabi Bahar, spokesman for the General Directorate of Fuel Companies, said: "Prices are controlled in various markets across the country, and efforts continue to take control of the market, prevent hoarding, and supply fuel and gas in the country's markets as much as possible."

Global fuel markets remain volatile, with Afghan citizens hoping for further domestic price reductions as stability returns.