Attachments
Highlights
Food Items: In the second week of March 2025, the prices of all food items show a negligible decrease compared to last week due to a 2.6% appreciation in the value of Afghani against the USD. Meanwhile, compared to the same time last year, food commodity prices show a mixed trend—while the prices of some food items have decreased, the prices of cooking oil and salt remain significantly higher. Despite the declining trend observed during 2023 and 2024, the current prices of major food items remain substantially above pre-Covid levels and prices before the political changes in June 2021, except for wheat grain, wheat flour, and cooking oil.
Non-food Items: The national average prices of non-food commodities also experienced a negligible decline compared to last week, except for improved seed and animal feed price which has increased by a minimal percentage. Due to limited labour opportunities during the winter, labour wage rates are at their lowest compared to other seasons. Year-on-year changes show a significant decline in the price of Urea, with slight decline in price of DAP and improved seeds. Meanwhile, the availability of labour per week is lower by 7% compared to the same time last year, whereas skilled labour wage rates are improved by 4%. 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 in the country.
Diesel: The national average diesel price is recorded at AFN 60.2 per litre during the 2nd week of March 2025, down by 1.8% from last week and by 1% compared to last year. However, it is 34% higher than pre-Covid levels and 22% above June 2021 prices. Moreover, the global average diesel price stands at $1.20 per litre, which is slightly above the Feb-25 average price.
Winter Fuel Items: Winter fuel prices showed minor changes on a weekly basis with most of these items showing a decline compared to last week as we approach the end of winter season. However, compared to the same time last year, other than coal, the prices of all other fuel items show a slight increase.
Turkham Crossing Point: In February 2025, tensions at the Torkham crossing escalated over a construction dispute, leading to its closure and disrupting trade and travel. The closure stranded thousands of trucks and passengers, causing significant financial losses and humanitarian concerns. Clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces in early March resulted in casualties and further instability. As of mid-March, the crossing remains closed, severely impacting bilateral trade and diplomatic relations, with ongoing negotiations yet to yield a resolution.