100 shops shut for price gouging in Ghazni

GHAZNI CITY (Pajhwok): Authorities in the capital of southern Ghazni province have shut down more than 100 shops for arbitrarily increasing food prices under the pretext of the Iran-Israel conflict.

Abdul Wali Jalalzai, spokesman for the Ghazni Municipality, told Pajhwok Afghan News that over the past few days, numerous shops engaged in hoarding and selling goods at inflated prices have been closed.

He said certain traders and shopkeepers were exploiting the international situation—particularly rumors related to the Iran-Israel conflict—to unjustifiably hike food prices.

According to Jalalzai, several individuals have also been arrested on charges of price manipulation. They will be released on bail after signing written commitments not to repeat the offense.

He added that over 100 shops had been sealed so far, and assured the public that authorities were actively working to curb hoarding and would deal with violators in accordance with the law.

Abdul Jabbar, a resident of Ghazni City, told Pajhwok that many shopkeepers arbitrarily set prices and take advantage of crises for personal profit.

He said that last week, the price of nearly every essential food item had increased by around 300 afghanis, making them unaffordable for low-income families.

Jabbar urged the authorities to implement consistent and decisive measures to prevent unjustified price hikes and protect vulnerable communities.

kk/sa