The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has increased fuel prices by 30 percent in local markets in the western province of Herat, shop owners and residents reported.
According to the residents, the price of one liter of liquid gas has increased to 62 afghanis from 48 and 50.
Many locals say they simply cannot afford the fuel at these levels.
“I used to fill up at 48 or 50,” said one resident. “Now I can’t even manage the price.”
Diesel and petrol prices have also increased. Traders at border towns of Herat warn that the price of diesel has risen by $270 per ton, while petrol has climbed by $160 per ton. These fuel types are traditionally imported from Iran into Afghanistan’s western regions.
Sediqullah Mansour, commercial head of the Taliban-run Oil and Gas Department in Herat, confirmed that all fuel and gas imports from Iran via Islam Qala Port, Mil 78, and the Nimruz border crossing have come to a complete halt.
“Imports of petroleum products and gas from Iran have been entirely stopped,” Mansour said.
Local residents expressed growing alarm. “We’re in poverty,” said resident Anwar Sarfarazi. “Our incomes are so low — we simply cannot purchase fuel at these prices.”
The crisis threatens to escalate further, as analysts point to broader disruptions in regional logistics. Indian media have reported that India is reducing its fuel exports to Afghanistan due to possible disruptions along transit routes through Iran.
Afghanistan — already reeling from chronic poverty and limited domestic production capacity — now depends heavily on foreign imports for essential energy supplies. In the absence of Iranian deliveries, the country may struggle to find alternative sources in time to prevent additional economic hardship.
