Residents of Kabul are voicing concern over the soaring prices of tomatoes and other vegetables in markets across the capital. They say that with the rise in vegetable prices, many people have lost the ability to afford these basic food items. They also accuse the Taliban of neglecting market regulation and failing to prevent the unchecked price hikes. According to residents, one seer (approximately 7 kilograms) of tomatoes costs 200 Afghanis, a bunch of green onions costs up to 50 Afghanis, and a bunch of coriander now sells for 30 Afghanis. Some vendors attribute the surge in tomato and vegetable prices to exports outside the country.
Kabul residents describe the price hikes during harvest season—coinciding with deepening poverty and unemployment—as both illogical and troubling. They believe that without strict oversight and proper regulation of the markets, prices will continue to rise, putting additional strain on people, especially low-income families.
Nilab, a Kabul resident shopping for fresh vegetables, complained about the price increases, particularly for tomatoes. She explained that her husband works as a day laborer and, with the rising prices, the family can no longer afford vegetables, a staple of their diet.
She said: “Today I came all the way from under the Kote-Sangi bridge to the market to buy vegetables, but the prices are very high. A small bunch of coriander costs 20 Afghanis, and a larger one costs 40 Afghanis. A seer of tomatoes is 200 Afghanis.” Pointing to the economic situation of families, she added, “Most households in Afghanistan live in poverty and cannot afford tomatoes. If a laborer earns 300 Afghanis a day and spends 200 Afghanis on tomatoes, he is left with almost nothing.”
Nilab recalled: “Prices used to be more reasonable. I used to buy a seer of tomatoes for 70 Afghanis and could prepare a simple but sufficient meal for my family. Last year, at this time, tomatoes were cheap, and we even had them in winter. But this year, before winter has even arrived, the prices have skyrocketed.”
Narwan, another Kabul resident, echoed: “Previously, prices were good. I myself used to buy a seer of tomatoes for 70 Afghanis, fry them, and eat them. But this year, even before winter, the prices have gone up.”
Fereshta, another resident, said that the high cost of vegetables has diminished family meals: “In the past, we could prepare healthy and affordable food, but now, with irregular income, we cannot balance the cost of fruits and vegetables with our earnings. Every day, prices climb higher, and family tables get emptier. We don’t know how we will get through the winter.”
Hussain also stressed that tomatoes remain in high demand and that prices should be regulated. “Tomato prices have really gone up. Even though it’s the season, they are still expensive. Tomatoes are a necessity in every home and are used in most dishes.”
From the perspective of Malika Hosseini, another Kabul resident, the Taliban have failed to properly regulate the market. She said: “People are now facing many challenges. Most people in Afghanistan are economically weak, and the vegetables they once easily bought are now out of reach.”
Mehdi Amiri, another resident of the city, warned that the rising vegetable prices could develop into a major humanitarian crisis. He explained: “Most families in Afghanistan live in poverty and cannot afford protein and meat, so vegetables form the main part of their daily diet. Tomatoes and onions—staple food for many households and often used as substitutes for meat—have now turned into luxury items.”
Meanwhile, some vegetable sellers say the main reason behind the increase—especially for tomatoes—is their export to Pakistan. Vendors complain that they must buy produce at high wholesale prices in the market and therefore have no choice but to sell it at inflated rates.
Jalal, a vegetable seller at the Kote-Sangi fruit and vegetable market, said: “The price of tomatoes has risen in recent days. Now a seer costs 200 Afghanis and a charak (about 1.75 kilograms) costs 50 Afghanis, and it may rise further.”
Sultan, another seller in the same market, explained: “Previously, tomatoes came to Kabul from several provinces, but now most arrive only from Logar, and this reduced supply has pushed up prices. The wholesale rate dictates our selling price, and we are forced to sell accordingly. In my view, prices will rise even more.”
The Chamber of Agriculture and Livestock has emphasized the need for building standard cold storage facilities for farmers to balance exports with domestic demand.
Mirwais Haji-Zada, the First Deputy of the Chamber, said: “It’s possible that within the next ten days, tomatoes will be imported from Iran, and the price may reach 200, 250, or even 300 Afghanis. We must work together to build cold storage facilities and agricultural complexes. We need both exports and the ability to use local produce in winter.”
At the same time, economic experts argue that the absence of long-term planning, disregard for domestic production capacity, and weak support policies have paved the way for repeated market crises. They stress that unless the Taliban focus on strengthening supply chains, creating strategic reserves, and carefully regulating markets, fluctuations in the prices of essential goods will continue.
Sir Quraishi, an economic analyst, noted: “The surge in tomato prices is largely the result of reduced production, weak market regulation, and flaws in the distribution system. In the absence of strategic reserves, similar fluctuations for other products are also likely. Imports can temporarily ease the problem, but the lasting solution lies in structural support for producers, investment in storage facilities, and greater transparency in market chains.”
Earlier, the World Bank had warned of Afghanistan’s economic crisis, declaring that the situation remains fragile and unstable. According to a United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report published on April 30, 2025, 75 percent of Afghanistan’s population struggles with livelihood insecurity. The report also revealed that 90 percent of households have been affected by economic shocks, a figure that rises to 97 percent among women-headed households.
You can read the Persian version of this report here:
افزایش بهای سبزی و ترکاری؛ خانوادههای کمدرآمد کابل در تنگنای شدید معیشتی
