Residents in Afghanistan’s western province of Herat say food prices have risen sharply, putting increasing economic pressure on families.
According to local residents, the prices of essential items — especially rice and cooking oil — have increased by more than 50 percent in recent months.
Khalil Ahmad, a resident of Herat, said a sack of first-grade rice that previously cost around 2,000 Afghanis is now being sold for more than 3,400 Afghanis.
He added that the price of cooking oil has also risen significantly, with a five-liter bottle increasing from about 400 Afghanis to between 700 and 750 Afghanis.
Residents blame the price hikes on reduced supply and the continued closure of key border crossings with Pakistan.
The main trade routes between Afghanistan and Pakistan have been closed for more than three months following several days of clashes and political tensions between the Pakistani government and the Taliban.
Since the closure of the border crossings, prices of food and other basic commodities have surged not only in Herat but also in other cities across the country, worsening the economic hardship faced by Afghan households.
