Petrol, diesel and gold prices rose in Kabul over the past week, while cooking oil became cheaper, according to a Saturday market survey by Pajhwok Afghan News citing local traders and market sources.
Pajhwok reported that petrol at one Wazirabad fuel station rose from 86 to 89 afghanis per litre and diesel from 78 to 79 afghanis. A fuel-station employee attributed the increase to the closure of the Salang Pass, reduced imports and stronger demand in Kabul.
The head of the Food Traders’ Association said the wholesale price of 16 litres of Malaysian cooking oil fell from 2,000 to 1,950 afghanis, while reported wholesale prices for flour, sugar, rice and tea were broadly unchanged.
Local gold dealers also reported increases. Pajhwok’s Dari report specifies Arabian gold as 750 fineness (18-karat) and Russian gold as 585 fineness (about 14-karat). Arabian gold rose from 7,240 to 7,350 afghanis per gram, while Russian gold increased from 5,770 to 5,850 afghanis. In purity terms, 750 fineness means 75% gold and 585 fineness means 58.5% gold. The survey quoted the US dollar at 64.60 afghanis, compared with 64.20 a week earlier. The figures reflect a local weekly market survey and prices can vary between retailers.