Fuel prices surge in Kabul as residents demand market control — Pajhwok

Kabul (Pajhwok): Amid rising prices of petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in Kabul, residents of the capital, particularly drivers, have raised concerns over reduced supply and price differences across various areas. They have called for stronger monitoring and regulation of the market. Economic experts attribute the price fluctuations to factors including the absence of strategic reserves, Afghanistan’s dependence on imports, and possible hoarding. Officials, however, have linked the increase to global and regional developments, saying that strict market monitoring is underway and prices are expected to decline soon. According to the Gulf market index (FOB Arab Gulf), on 4 July, the price of one barrel of petrol stood at around $91, diesel at $99, and LPG at about $70. By 16 July, petrol had increased to nearly $94 per barrel, diesel to $103, and LPG to around $74. The Kabul Municipality on Thursday (16 July) issued a new price list, setting the price of petrol at 79 afghanis per litre, diesel at 73 afghanis per litre, and LPG at 74 afghanis per kilogram. On 4 July, petrol was priced at 73 afghanis per litre, diesel at 68 afghanis per litre, and LPG at 56 afghanis per kilogram. Sellers cite supply disruptions behind price increases Hekmatullah Mohammadi, an employee at a fuel station in Wazirabad, Kabul, said the increase in…