Food Prices in Afghanistan Rise by Up to 47 Percent, World Food Programme Reports

The World Food Programme says food prices in Afghanistan have increased by up to 47 percent compared to the same period last year.

Its latest report for the second week of April shows rice prices have gone up by 24 to 47 percent, wheat by about 20 percent, cooking oil by 10 percent and sugar by nearly 19 percent.

The agency notes that weekly price changes remain limited for most items, although liquefied petroleum gas prices continue to increase. Approximately 60 percent of imports are now entering through the Islam Qala border crossing with Iran, a shift that has raised transportation costs along western and northern supply routes.

Prices for non-food items have also risen, with diesel up 14 percent year on year and chemical fertilizers increasing by 35 percent in some cases.

The labor market is providing an average of only 1.7 work days per week, significantly affecting household incomes and purchasing power.

Specific impacts are seen in vegetable markets. Lettuce prices fell by more than 10 percent in the past week but are 65 percent higher than last year. Potato prices have nearly doubled because of reduced imports from Iran and stopped shipments from Pakistan.

Taken together, rising costs, supply issues and scarce employment opportunities are placing serious pressure on Afghan families, the World Food Programme report concludes.