Kabul receives 1,000 tonnes of diesel from Russia

KABUL): Of the total 5,000 tonnes of diesel purchased from Russia, 1,000 tonnes have reached Kabul, an official said Monday. The rate of one litre of diesel has been fixed at 60 afghanis at government-run filling stations.

“The previous rate of a litre was 65afs and that of petrol 61afs at government-owned fuel stations in the city,” Eng. Farid Sherzai, the fuel department head at the Ministry of Commerce and Industries, told Pajhwok Afghan News.

An agreement had been signed with Russia two months ago on the purchase of oil, he said, adding the remaining diesel would be brought home in phases.

Diesel prices have increased from 58afs to 72afs per litre and that of petrol from 57afs to 65afs at private fuel stations over the past one and a half month.

Sherzai said 5,000 tonnes of petrol would be purchased from Iran in the near future and upon its delivery, prices would be revised.  

Up to 500 tonnes of petrol and diesel are consumed in Kabul on a daily basis. Sherzai indicated the government might purchase another 25,000 tonnes of fuel from Russia.

mas/ma/mud