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Food Items: In the first week of April 2025, the prices of main food commodities shows slight week-on-week decline. Meanwhile, compared to the same time last year, an overall decline is observed except the prices of cooking oil and salt which are significantly higher. Prices of food items which experienced downward trend over the past two years have remained relatively stable during the year 2025 due to a relatively stable exchange rate. However, the current food prices are still significantly higher when compared to the pre-Covid levels and prices before the political changes in June 2021, except for wheat grain, wheat flour, and cooking oil.
WFP Food Basket: Compared to last week, the price of the WFP food basket has declined by 0.5%, maintaining a stable trend throughout 2025. Year-on-year, the price has remained relatively unchanged, with only a 2% decrease. However, it is still 9% higher than the pre-Covid period.
Vegetable Items: As of the first week of April, tomato price declined by 2.4%, while potato and onion prices increased by 1.7% and 9.3%, respectively. The prices of key vegetable items, including tomato, potato, and onion, which had risen significantly during the winter season, are expected to decline with the availability of local production in the market. Additionally, notable price variations exist across provinces due to differences in local harvest availability and imports from neighbouring countries. A large portion of these commodities is imported from Iran and Pakistan, especially when local produce is unavailable.
Non-food Items: The prices of DAP, urea, improved seeds, and animal feed show minimal changes compared to last week. However, year-on-year trends indicate a slight decline in the prices of DAP, urea, and improved seeds. Compared to June 2021, the prices of urea and DAP remain significantly higher, while the price of improved seeds has decreased.
Diesel: The national average diesel price is recorded at AFN 58.0 per litre during the first week of April 2025, down by 0.7% from last week and by 5% compared to last year. However, current price is 29% higher than pre-Covid levels and 17% above June 2021 prices. Moreover, the global average diesel price stands at $1.18 per litre, down from $1.19 per litre from last week.
Labour Market: The availability of labour per week shows a slight improvement as the spring season begins and the demand for construction and agricultural labour increases. However, compared to the pre-Covid period and the month of June 2021, workdays per week have significantly declined, reflecting reduced labour opportunities in the country.