Afghans struggle with rising food prices after trade suspension with Pakistan

The closure of the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is taking a heavy toll on Afghanistan’s economy.

According to Afghan media reports, the suspension of trade and transit with Pakistan has caused a sharp rise in the prices of essential commodities across the country. Citizens are expressing deep concern over the affordability of basic food items.

“A number of citizens complain that rice, cooking oil, and other essentials have become almost impossible to buy. In a situation of unemployment and poverty, how can ordinary people survive?” Afghan media cited local residents as saying.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce has warned that border closures could result in losses of up to $200 million per month.

Also Read: Afghan minister warns traders against using Pakistani routes

Economic experts in Afghanistan have raised concerns that rising food and fuel prices could worsen living conditions during the winter months. They caution that if the Pakistan-Afghanistan border is not reopened soon, both human and economic losses are likely to increase.

Citizens have detailed the price surges, noting that a sack of flour has gone up by 100 to 150 Afghanis, a five-liter container of cooking oil has risen by 150 to 200 Afghanis, and a sack of rice now costs 350 to 400 Afghanis.

“The Taliban are not paying attention to the hunger and desperation of the people. Their focus seems to be on exploiting mineral resources, drug trafficking, and extorting money from the population,” one Afghan resident said.