Consumers concerned as gas prices shoot up

KABUL): Prices of gas have witnessed a record surge, negating claims by the Ministry of Trade and Industries that the rates will be kept unchanged in the harsh Afghan winter.

In recent weeks, the price of one kilogram of gas shot up from 45 afghanis to 75 afghanis, fuelling consumers among ordinary consumers.

Wahidullah Ghazi Khel, the ministry spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News that the rising value of the dollar against the afghani was one reason behind the surge. The fast-approaching winter had spurred demand for gas, he said, acknowledging a fall in supplies.

He said his ministry was mulling steps to purchase more gas from Uzbekistan, Ukraine and Russia to overcome the current shortage in the country.

Farid Siddiqui, a businessman, said the increase in gas prices in international market had an impact on domestic rates, explaining greater consumption was causing a shortage.

But the Ministry of Commerce and Trade had promised slashing gas prices to 56 afghanis per kilogram within a week, he said. Consumers complained they would be unable to use gas anymore if prices remain unchanged.

Last year, too, consumers complained about increasing gas prices, alleging that traders had stockpiled the commodity at the Hairatan port in Balkh province.

rm/mud

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