Fuel Prices Decrease Slightly in Afghanistan Amid Global Increases Due to Middle East Conflicts

Fuel prices in Afghanistan have slightly decreased after an initial surge, even as global prices rise due to conflicts in the Middle East.

Diesel oil prices fell from 66 Afghanis to 62 Afghanis per liter, petrol from 66 Afghanis to 61 Afghanis per liter, and LPG from 55 Afghanis to 50 Afghanis per kilogram. The decreases amount to about 5 Afghanis across the fuels following an earlier rise of up to 10 Afghanis.

Economic expert Sair Qureshi attributed the drop to low import taxes on fuel and sourcing primarily from neighboring Central Asian countries. "The reason the price of fuel has decreased in Afghanistan is that there is less tax on fuel imports in the country, and prices are mostly determined by the market and traders," Qureshi said. "On the other hand, Afghanistan imports more fuel from neighboring Central Asian countries."

Drivers in Kabul welcomed the reductions but called for further cuts to ease economic pressures. Amin, a driver, said: "Although the fuel rate is controlled, we cannot work enough to cover both vehicle expenses and family needs." 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 cited regional developments for the initial price spike and pledged continued market stabilization. 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 price fluctuations persist, with Afghan citizens hoping for further domestic declines as market stability improves.