Taxi drivers in Kabul say rising taxes, daily fees and what they describe as harassment by Taliban traffic police are squeezing their incomes as the country’s economic crisis deepens.
Several drivers told Amu TV they are required to pay about 80 afghanis ($1.10) a day in fees commonly referred to as “parking slips,” in addition to quarterly payments of roughly 500 afghanis for renewed work permits, logbooks and vehicle cards.
The costs, they say, come on top of higher fuel prices, fewer passengers and widespread unemployment, leaving many struggling to cover basic living expenses.
“We barely make enough to support our families,” said one driver, who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. “Fuel is expensive, work is limited, and every few months there is another payment we are told to make.”
Some drivers also complained about the behaviour of traffic police, saying they are fined or penalised even after paying taxes and that there are few designated areas where taxis are allowed to stop and pick up passengers.
“They take money from us, but we still get punished,” another driver said, adding that traffic officers sometimes disable vehicles for minor infractions.
Taliban authorities did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Afghanistan’s economy has shrunk sharply since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, after international sanctions, cuts in foreign aid and banking restrictions crippled state revenues and private business. Many urban residents have turned to informal work, including taxi driving, as one of the few remaining sources of income.
Drivers say without relief from mounting fees or clearer regulations, their livelihoods will continue to deteriorate.
