High Firewood Prices Leave Kabul Residents Struggling

Some residents of the capital complain about the high prices of firewood and fuel, saying they cannot afford to buy wood.

They urge the interim government officials to address the high cost of wood in the markets.

Dilawar, a resident of Kabul, said: “This year, wood is more expensive compared to previous years. Oak wood costs 13,050 afghani per (560kg) but walnut, apricot, and mulberry wood is cheaper.”

Mohammad Anwar, another resident of Kabul, said: “Our request to the government is to allow the availability of wood for a month or two because people are jobless and struggling. They should release the wood to solve people’s problems.”

Also See: Air Pollution Concerns Kabul Residents With Onset of Winter

Import Restrictions

Some wood sellers believe that allowing oak wood to enter the capital will decrease its prices.

Imamuddin, a seller, said: “Authorities restrict the import of forest wood, and they no longer allow oak wood to reach Kabul. Now, they mostly supply walnut, mulberry, and apricot wood. Even if they allow oak wood to come, people cannot afford to buy it.”

Qasim, another seller, added: “We request the government to allow the wood to come to Kabul so they can resolve people’s problems.”

Officials from the Wood Sellers’ Union cite the restriction on importing wood to the capital. They consider this one of the reasons for the high prices.

Ajmal Wahidi, a member of the Wood Sellers’ Union, said: “Authorities do not allow wood to come to Kabul because they deem the available quantity sufficient for other provinces. They prevent the excess from reaching Kabul. The transportation cost, which reaches 12,000 or 13,000 afghani, forces people in those provinces to buy it locally. This is the main reason. People also cannot bring it because it is too expensive.”

Meanwhile, power outages in the capital increase with the arrival of winter. As a result, families must purchase heating materials like firewood and coal to warm their homes during the cold season, despite the high prices.

This news is sourced from [Tolo News] and is for informational purposes only.