Coal, firewood rates up two-fold: Takhar residents

TALOQAN (Pajhwok): Some residents in northern Takhar province have complained against the two fold increase of coal, firewood and other materials used for heating up homes in winter

According to the people last year 7-kilograms of coal was accounted for 35 afs and the same quantity of fire wood for 40 afs but this year the price of seven kilograms of coal surged by 75 afs while the same quantity of firewood surged to 80 afs.

Haji Mir Agha, one of the tribal elders who came to Taloqan City, to buy coal, told Pajhwok Afghan News coal and firewood prices were decent last year but now the economic situation of people was not stable and the prices of coal and other items had surged.

He said last year seven kilograms of coal was accounted for 35 afs while the same quantity of firewood accounted for 40 afs but this year the price of seven kilograms of is over 70 afs while the same quantity of firewood are sold at 80 afs.

He said most residents were unable to purchase coal at this rate as it was above their economic strength.

Faiz Mohammad Hamdard, one of the coal and firewood sellers, in Takhar said tariff and petroleum prices hike caused surge in the prices of firewood and coal.

He said they paid 250 afs in tax for a bag of coal the government and this cause the rate of coal to surge.

Hayatullah Safri, Taloqan city mayor, said their price control team often monitored the prices and efforts were underway to control the prices.

This comes that every year the price hike of firewood item worried common people and raised eyborws.

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