Kabul [Afghanistan], December 7 (ANI): Residents of Kabul have expressed frustration over rising coal prices despite Afghanistan’s substantial coal reserves, Tolo News reported.
Locals said many are struggling financially and cannot afford current rates. “Our coal is not even being exported abroad, it is consumed within Afghanistan, yet the prices are still high,” said Shapoor, a Kabul resident.
Sayed Rabee told Tolo News, “It’s unclear whether traders are raising the prices or what’s causing it. Some people are taking unfair advantage of the situation. You know many people have returned from Iran and Pakistan and are struggling economically.”
Coal remains the main heating source in Kabul and other colder areas, despite its major contribution to air pollution. Coal seller Nazirullah said, “If coal were cheap, everyone would buy it and sales would increase. But with these high prices, people simply can’t afford it.”
The Kabul Association of Firewood and Coal Sellers reported that the cost of one tonne of coal rose from 11,300 Afghanis to 12,000 Afghanis over the past week. Association head Ajmal Wahidi attributed the jump to the absence of government tariffs and long transport routes into Kabul. He noted, “Fortunately, the Salang Pass is now open, and coal prices should have decreased. But another issue is that the Islamic Emirate is distributing state-owned coal and has removed the coal tariff, which has led to higher prices.”
Earlier, the Northern Coal Company announced that 130,000 tonnes of coal would be distributed this winter to colder regions, including Kabul, where one tonne would be sold in 22 districts at 6,800 Afghanis, Tolo News added. (ANI)
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