Food prices in Afghanistan remain as much as 47 percent higher than a year ago, underscoring persistent pressure on households even as markets show relative stability week to week, according to a new report by the World Food Program.
The report, covering the second week of April, found that prices for staple goods such as rice have risen between 24 and 47 percent compared with the same period last year, while wheat grain is up about 20 percent, cooking oil 10 percent and sugar nearly 19 percent.
Despite those elevated levels, week-to-week price changes were modest. Wheat flour and cooking oil remained largely stable, while rice and pulses declined slightly. Sugar prices, however, continued to rise, increasing about 3 percent during the week.
According to the report, markets have remained functional but are operating under increasing strain. Supply chains have shifted toward western and northern corridors, helping maintain the availability of goods nationwide. Yet this reliance has also driven up transportation costs and delivery times, contributing to uneven distribution and localized price differences.
About 60 percent of imports now pass through the Islam Qala crossing on the border with Iran, increasing pressure on a limited number of trade routes and raising the risk of delays and bottlenecks, the report said.
Vegetable prices reflected both seasonal factors and trade disruptions. Tomato prices fell more than 10 percent from the previous week but remain about 65 percent higher than a year ago, while potato prices are nearly double last year’s levels. Reduced supply from Iran and halted imports from Pakistan have contributed to the increase, the report says.
Non-food items also showed continued pressure. According to the report, diesel prices declined slightly during the week but are about 14 percent higher than a year earlier. Fertilizer prices rose again, with annual increases of up to 35 percent, driven by limited global supply and higher costs.
At the same time, Afghanistan’s labor market remains weak. WFP said that work availability averaged just 1.7 days per week, significantly below last year’s levels. While wages have remained stable, high prices have eroded purchasing power, leaving many families struggling to meet basic needs.
The World Food Program said that while markets continue to function, the combination of elevated prices, supply pressures and limited income opportunities is placing sustained strain on households in Afghanistan.
