Prices of potatoes and Roman eggplant surge in Kabul markets

Kabul residents report significant price increases for potatoes and Roman eggplant in city markets over recent days. These staples are heavily used in households, and the hikes during Ramadan have added economic strain, locals say.

After rises in rice and meat prices, families turned to vegetables for iftar meals, but now even potatoes and eggplant are unaffordable in sufficient quantities, according to residents. They accuse some sellers of exploiting reduced supply and imports from neighboring countries.

Sajdeh, a Kabul resident shopping for vegetables, said prices have risen unprecedentedly this year due to closed trade routes with Pakistan and regional tensions and conflicts. "Roman eggplant is used in most foods, and its price increase has created new concerns for people," she said. She added that families have struggled through Ramadan so far amid rises in rice, lentils, oil, pasta and flour.

Hassan, another resident, said potatoes jumped from 150 afghanis per seer to around 400 afghanis, while Roman eggplant went from 90 afghanis per kilo to up to 630 afghanis per seer. He recounted buying a burger for iftar but finding scant fries due to potato costs, and urged the Taliban to control prices of vegetables and imports from Pakistan and Iran. He noted limes are scarce at 250-300 afghanis per kilo, often smuggled.

Saber bought a small amount of eggplant, saying his cooked chickpeas lacked flavor without it, and paid 290 afghanis for a seer of potatoes, up from 90 afghanis previously. Lettuce rose from 5 to 30 afghanis, and limes from 50 to 200 afghanis, complicating Ramadan syrup preparation.

Sadeq said the vegetable price surges, especially potatoes and eggplant, have further eroded his purchasing power despite working multiple jobs to cover family costs.

Residents note Afghanistan's agricultural base but lament seasonal price rises without effective market controls.