As the second ten days of Ramadan arrive, concerns over the dramatic rise in the prices of essential goods in Afghanistan have intensified. Some citizens say that the unprecedented surge in food prices, particularly for meat, rice, oil, and flour, has reduced their Ramadan tables compared to previous years. According to them, this situation has unfolded while many families continue to struggle with serious economic hardships, and the continuation of this trend could severely threaten the food security of low-income households.
Speaking to the Hasht-e Subh Daily, these citizens criticize the lack of effective market oversight and the supply of goods at exorbitant prices. According to them, although the prices of essential goods rise every year during Ramadan, this year the increase has been more pronounced, and the Taliban have taken no effective action to curb it. They are calling on shopkeepers and merchants to act with fairness during Ramadan and refrain from raising food prices, so that all families can access their basic needs.
This year’s Ramadan has arrived at a time when humanitarian aid to Afghanistan has declined, and problems with trade and transit with Pakistan, as well as instability in Iran, have affected the supply of goods to the country, which imports a large portion of its commodities from these two nations, further worsening the livelihood conditions of families.
Aminullah, a resident of Kabul, says that the rise in food prices during Ramadan has reduced the purchasing power of families and restricted low-income households’ access to essential items. According to him, unlike many Islamic countries where food prices drop at the start of Ramadan, in Afghanistan, prices rise every year, and the lack of market oversight has allowed shopkeepers to set their own prices at will.
This Kabul resident adds: “In Islamic countries, when Ramadan begins, every effort is made to ensure that all people have access to basic food items. But in Afghanistan, it seems everyone is looking out for themselves, with little regard for others. If you visit the markets of Kabul even once, you will see that prices have skyrocketed. Flour, oil, and rice are practically out of reach, let alone affordable. Yet shopkeepers consider themselves Muslims, and this Ramadan they are setting prices however they please.”
Sulaiman, a resident of Kunduz, says that in that province as well, families are facing serious difficulties in providing food for suhoor and iftar due to rising food prices. He is calling on the Taliban to impose strict oversight and control over the market.
Sulaiman says: “Every year, as Ramadan arrives, food prices rise significantly and double. Poor people cannot even afford bread, and with the continuous rise in prices, this problem repeats itself every year. This Ramadan, we hope the Taliban will pay attention to this issue. Every year, committees are formed to control prices, but so far, they have had no effect whatsoever. The situation of the people and their financial capacity must be taken into consideration.”
Fatima, a resident of Herat, says that the rise in food prices coinciding with Ramadan has further worsened the livelihood conditions of families, with many people welcoming this month with empty tables. She stresses that this price increase has occurred in circumstances where nearly half the population is facing serious economic hardship.
Fatima says: “In Herat, approximately 40 to 45 percent of people are living in poverty, meaning one in every two people is facing serious economic difficulties. The prices of flour, rice, and oil have risen sharply. For example, a sack of rice that previously cost up to 2,000 Afghanis now costs nearly 4,000 Afghanis. The prices of legumes and vegetables have also increased dramatically, and overall, the price of everything has gone up. Life in Afghanistan has truly become difficult for everyone.”
This economic challenge is not limited to Kabul, Kunduz, and Herat, as the rise in food prices has placed people in other provinces under severe livelihood pressure as well.
Naazir, a resident of Panjshir, says that the rise in food prices in that province has forced some families to sell their livestock to meet their basic needs during Ramadan. He adds that families who have neither agricultural land nor livestock are experiencing extremely dire conditions.
Naazir says: “These days, with food prices rising sharply, families that own livestock are selling their animals to provide food for themselves. But those who have no livestock are facing very serious difficulties. Under the Taliban’s rule, Panjshir is in a situation where the majority of young men are unemployed and are responsible for their families, yet they cannot make a living or provide for their families’ basic needs.”
Shams, a resident of Kapisa, says that food prices had already risen before Ramadan, and with the start of the holy month, prices have skyrocketed further. He stresses that shopkeepers and merchants should not exploit the needs and desperation of the people.
Shams says: “Food items, especially those imported from Pakistan, have increased significantly in price. Merchants should not take advantage of the people’s difficult situation, and the government must pay attention to this issue, because people are facing enormous hardships even during Ramadan.”
Samira, a resident of Badakhshan, says that rising prices for essential goods, combined with poverty and unemployment, have made life harder for the people of that province this Ramadan. She adds: “The economic situation of people in Badakhshan is so dire that the majority of families cannot even meet their needs through to the end of Ramadan. The prices of fruit and other goods are very high, and those who are in a weak financial position cannot afford them. Only those who are financially well-off can purchase these items.”
Sitara, a resident of Nimroz, says that most goods in that province are imported from Iran, and recent developments in that country have caused food prices to rise to the point that families are unable to provide food for their iftar and suhoor meals. She emphasizes that some items are not even available in Nimroz’s markets.
Sitara says: “The price of rice has risen by 20 to 25 percent. Rice that was previously sold for 1,000 Afghanis per kilogram has now reached close to 2,000 Afghanis, and some food items cannot be found in the market at all. The price of oil has also gone up, fruit prices are very high, and the majority of people cannot afford them. Additionally, the prices of some legumes have increased significantly.”
These complaints about rising food prices come as the World Food Programme (WFP) recently announced that millions of people in Afghanistan are beginning Ramadan in hunger. The programme added that in a country where 17 million people are facing severe hunger, the month of Ramadan, a time of reflection and generosity, is placing additional pressure on families. The World Food Programme also noted that many people are entering this month without a stable income, after years of economic hardship, drought, and limited access to basic services.
The Taliban’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, in a recent meeting with the leadership of the Chamber of Commerce, shopkeepers, and trade union officials, claimed that over the past few years, prices during Ramadan have been at an acceptable level.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
سفرههای خالی رمضان؛ دکانداران نرخها را دلخواه خود تعیین میکنند
