Several residents of Kabul city have expressed concern over the recent increase in urban taxi fares. They say that with the rising prices of fuel and gas, drivers of urban and interprovincial vehicles have arbitrarily raised their fares. These individuals add that, alongside widespread unemployment and high food prices, people do not have the capacity to endure this economic pressure. According to residents, routes that previously cost 20 afghanis have now increased to 30 afghanis, and those that were 30 afghanis have risen to 40 afghanis. They say that fares increase even further during the hours after the afternoon. These residents also add that in many cases, women are charged higher fares, with drivers, under the pretext of not finding another female passenger, charging a single woman the fare for two people.
At the same time, with the rise in fuel prices due to regional fluctuations, transportation fares have also increased. Kabul residents say that this issue has intensified their economic pressure and caused widespread concern.
Fahim, a resident of Kabul, says that the increase in vehicle fares following the rise in fuel and gas prices is worrying and has placed greater pressure on low-income families. He adds that in the absence of oversight, this trend may continue. He also emphasizes that some traders take advantage of the situation by stockpiling goods and selling them at higher prices during times of crisis.
Fahim says: “The increase in vehicle fares is a very important issue, especially these days when the prices of fuel, gas, and raw materials are continuously rising. Some sellers store goods that they purchased at previous prices so they can later sell them at higher rates. At present, many people have turned to informal jobs such as cart-pushing and driving, which depend on fuel. With the rise in fuel prices, their income has decreased, and their economic problems have worsened.”
Ahrar, another resident of Kabul, says that the increase in vehicle fares has caused him concern, given his monthly income. He adds that drivers and traders should not exploit people’s economic situation.
This Kabul resident says: “Whenever the prices of fuel and gas increase, drivers automatically raise their fares. Unfortunately, this has become a constant reality.”
Shah Kamil, another resident of Kabul, says that in recent days he has repeatedly witnessed fare increases. According to him, when fuel prices rise, fares increase, but when prices decline, fares remain unchanged. He says: “In recent days, I have witnessed fare increases several times. When the prices of fuel and gas rise, fares also go up; but when fuel prices decrease, fares remain at the same level. In some cases, this has even led to arguments and conflicts between passengers and drivers.”
This Kabul resident also adds that some drivers charge women the fare for two people under the pretext of the absence of another female passenger, an issue that, according to him, causes dissatisfaction and tension. He continues: “Most drivers allocate the front seat to women and forcibly charge them the fare of two people, which is against human principles. I have personally encountered this issue several times. Sometimes, a driver even asks a woman to get out of the vehicle so that he can take on two other passengers, which creates tension and dissatisfaction among the public.”
Majid, another resident of Kabul, says that for women and girls, in addition to the increase in fares, commuting problems have also intensified. He adds, “For women, if they sit in the front seat, they are charged for two people. In some vehicles, even during late hours, women remain standing and are not given a seat due to the presence of men.”
Shokur, another resident of Kabul, says: “We live in Karte Naw. In front of the shops, they call out that fares are 30 or 40 afghanis. Due to financial hardship, people are even forced to ride in the back of vehicles for a 20-afghani fare. There must be serious oversight.”
Previously, the Taliban Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation had warned that no driver has the right to arbitrarily increase transportation fares and emphasized that violators would be dealt with if observed.
Currently, the price of fuel in Kabul markets ranges between 70 and 72 afghanis, while gas is sold at up to 63 afghanis.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
افزایش کرایه موتر؛ باشندهگان کابل از هزینههای سنگین شکایت دارند
