Food prices rise 0.7pc last month — Pajhwok

KABUL (Pajhwok): The National Statistics and Information Authority (NSIA) says food prices rose 0.7 percent in Asad (July-August), the fifth month of the Afghan solar year, with the largest increases recorded in meat, dairy products, cooking oils and various vegetables. According to a statement from the authority, meat prices rose 2.2 percent during the month, while dairy products increased by 2.6 percent, cooking oils by 5.4 percent and various vegetables by 2.6 percent. The source added that prices of non-food items also rose 1.9 percent in Asad. The clothing index increased by 3.5 percent, housing by 1.7 percent, household goods by 2.0 percent and transport by 5.0 percent. According to the statement, the monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 1.4 percent in Asad, mainly driven by increases in the prices of food items, including meat, dairy products, cooking oils and vegetables, as well as non-food items such as clothing, housing, household goods and transport. NSIA data showed that, on a year-on-year basis, consumer prices increased by 9.6 percent in Asad 1405 compared with the same month last year. The authority said the average exchange rate of the Afghan afghani against the US dollar stood at 65.75 afghanis in Asad, compared with 65.67 afghanis in Saratan (June). This represents a 0.1 percent decline in the value of the afghani. The source…