As temperatures drop across Afghanistan, residents in the capital are facing a steep rise in the cost of firewood and coal, worsening the burden on thousands of low-income families already grappling with widespread unemployment and poverty.
In Kabul, one kharwar — roughly 560 kilograms — of firewood is now selling for nearly 12,000 Afghanis, or about $180. For many families, that’s simply out of reach.
“The price is 12,000 Afghanis. People can’t afford that,” said Ahmad Mujib, a Kabul resident. “The government should reduce the price. It’s too expensive for ordinary people.”
Vendors say that this year, sales have been sluggish, in part due to the mild weather and the population’s declining purchasing power. “Compared to previous years, the market is weak,” said Abdul Qader, a longtime wood seller in the city. “The weather is still warm, and people are poor. Some are getting by with just one blanket.”
Others attribute the spike in prices to restrictions imposed by the Taliban on the import of timber. “The price is high because wood imports have been blocked,” said Mohammad Farid, another seller. “Last year, they opened the border for about 10 to 12 days. This year, it’s been closed for months. If they reopen it, prices will fall again. Right now, oak wood is going for 12,000 Afghanis.”
The situation is becoming increasingly dire as the cold intensifies. Thousands of families remain without adequate heating, and many fear for their children’s safety as winter approaches.
For the most vulnerable, the rising cost of staying warm is not just an economic burden — it’s a looming humanitarian crisis.
