New fuel prices to be effective from Tuesday

KABUL): The government announced on Monday new petrol and diesel prices, saying a litre would cost 57 afghanis at all fuel stations and depots in Kabul. The new rates will be effective from Tuesday. 

The government had reached an agreement with leading fuel importers on the fresh prices, Minister of Commerce and Industries Dr. Anwarul Haq Ahadi told journalists in Kabul.

Importers who refused to implement the prices would be warned before being fined for backing out of their commitment, the minister said. If they persist with their attitude, their oil import licences will be suspended for some time.  

He said one tonne of diesel currently accounted for $960 (48,000afs) in Turkmenistan and its import into Afghanistan cost $1480. Similarly, a tonne of petrol sells for $1057 in the neighbouring country and $1,596 in Afghanistan.

Keeping in view the overall price situation and a 10 percent profit margin for importers, the Ministry of Commerce and Industries had fixed the rate of one litre diesel/petrol at 57afs, he said. The prices will be revised every fortnight.

According to his ministry’s assessment, Ahadi said, the price of one tonne of petrol in Afghanistan was $100 higher than in neighbouring countries. Fuel prices for the rest of the provinces will be fixed shortly.