Kandaharis lament hike in firewood rates, poor-quality gas

KANDAHAR CITY (Pajhwok): The price of firewood has surged in southern Kandahar province this winter, with residents also complaining of low-quality gas supplies.

Mohammad Nabi, a resident of Kandahar City, said he purchased a kilogram of gas for 72afs and per 4.5 kilograms of firewood for 35-45afs.

Unable to buy gas, he purchased 180 kilograms of firewood for warming up his house and cooking food. He believed the quantity of firewood was inadequate.

Abdul Wali, another inhabitant, grumbled about being caught in the cold wave on the one hand and haunted by unemployment on the other.

Sakhi, a firewood stall owner, recalled he previously received supplies from Registan. However, the authorities have now restricted such supplies and as a result, he receives firewood from other provinces.

“Traders and other people previously brought firewood from Ghazni, Helmand and Registan at affordable rates. But the caretaker government has now banned firewood supplies from Registan,” he explained

Ahmadullah, a dealer, acknowledged the poor quality of gas. He demanded traders importing poor-quality commodities must address the problem.

Pajhwok approached gas-importing companies for comments, but they declined speaking on the issue.

A fuel control department exists in Kandahar, but it is not working to check quality and prices.

Mohammad Rahim Bashardost, speaking for the environment protection authority, confirmed the ban on forest felling in Registan.

He acknowledged the import of low-quality fuels was also affecting the environment, and they had shared the issue with the Ministry of Public Health and the governor’s office.

aw/sa/mud

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