With the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaching, markets across Afghanistan are seeing more shoppers, but vendors and residents say economic hardship and rising prices are dampening the usual festive activity.
Fruit sellers in the western city of Herat say prices of dried fruits — traditionally bought for Eid celebrations — have increased as key border crossings with Pakistan remain closed.
Some vendors say the economic slowdown has also reduced customer traffic compared with previous years.
“Just look at the market — there are hardly any customers,” said Amir Mohammad, a dried-fruit seller in Herat. “We sit here hoping to earn enough for a piece of bread.”
Residents visiting markets say many families can only afford limited purchases for the holiday.
“Prices of dried fruits have nearly doubled and people simply don’t have money,” said Ghulam Rasool, a Herat resident. “The situation is very difficult.”
Another resident, Ilyas, said families are buying what they can afford. “Everyone buys according to their ability. Some can afford it and some cannot, but life goes on,” he said.
Although markets remain open late into the evening as the holiday approaches, traders say the atmosphere lacks the usual bustle seen in previous years.
Eid al-Fitr is expected in four to five days, but vendors say closed borders, declining foreign aid and broader economic difficulties have weakened purchasing power across the country.
