Informing humanitarians worldwide 24/7 — a service provided by UN OCHA

Afghanistan

Afghanistan: Countrywide Weekly Market Report: Issue 232: Week 3 - January 2025

Attachments

Highlights

Food Items: During the third week of January 2025, apart from cooking oil, the prices of all food items are showing a negligible increase compared to last week due to a continues depreciation in the value of Afghani against the USD over the past few weeks and overall price increase during the winter season. Prices of food commodities are showing a mixed picture when compared to the same time last year, while some food commodity prices have decreased, prices of cooking oil, salt and potato are significantly higher. However, current prices of main food items are significantly higher compared to the pre-Covid levels and the prices before the political changes in the country in the month of June 2021, (except for wheat grain and wheat flours, and cooking oil).

Non-food Items: The national average prices of non-food commodities remain stable, with minor weekly fluctuations. During the winter, the availability of labour is limited and there is reduced demand for non-food items (such as fertilizers and improved seeds) which result in minimal price variations for these commodities. Year-on-year changes show a significant decline in the price of Urea, with slight decline in price of DAP and improved seeds. Similarly, the availability of labour per week and labour wage rates are higher compared to the same period last year. However, when compared to pre-COVID levels and June 2021, the availability of workdays per week has significantly declined, indicating a reduction in labour opportunities.

Diesel: The national average price of diesel recorded at AFN 62.1 per litre during the third week of January 2025, showing a negligible increase of 1.8% compared to last week. While the current price remains the same as last year, it is significantly higher by 38% compared to pre-Covid levels and higher by 25% than the prices in the month of June 2021. Globally, diesel prices vary significantly, with major oil-producing and exporting nations having substantially lower diesel prices. As of 20th of January 2025, the global average price for diesel stands at $1.19 per litre, indicating a 1.7% increase compared to last week.

Winter Fuel Items: The prices of winter fuel commodities, commonly used for heating appliances and cooking during the winter season, show mixed trends. The prices of Pine wood and Wood flour is showing a decline whereas the rest of items under this category is showing a minimal increase compared to last week. While compared to last year, Balot wood and pine wood prices increased by 10% and 5%, Wood flour prices saw a 5% decline. Charcoal, Coal and liquid gas prices also indicate minor year-on-year increase. Given the relatively lower price of coal, it is expected to remain a primary choice for heating among the vulnerable households during this winter.