Attachments
Highlights
Seasonal Factors, Exchange Rate, and Trade: Winter conditions continue to constrain local market supply, increasing reliance on imported food commodities and exerting mild upward pressure on prices. Trade disruptions persist following the closure of the Torkham crossing since mid-October, halting inflows from Pakistan, including transit goods. These disruptions have been partially mitigated by increased imports from Central Asian countries and the use of alternative trade routes. Meanwhile, the Afghani exchange rate has remained broadly stable during the year and 5 percent stronger than last year, helping to ease import costs. Despite this, prices of most food and non-food commodities remain higher than last year and above the two-year average, reflecting seasonal pressures alongside elevated import and transport costs.
Food Items: National average prices of key food commodities showed mostly negligible week-on-week fluctuations during the third week of December. Pulses recorded a slight decline of 0.9 percent, while all other food commodities registered marginal increases. On a year-on-year basis, prices of wheat grain, wheat flour, rice, cooking oil, and salt increased notably. Similarly, the prices of these commodities remain elevated compared to the two-year, while prices of sugar, pulses, and bread are lower. Overall, food prices remain significantly higher than the same time before the transition of the government in 2021, except for wheat grain and wheat flour.
Vegetable Items: showed mixed week-on-week movements, with tomato and potato prices recording minor increases due to reduced winter availability, while onion prices continued to decline due to higher local production and declined exports, mainly to Pakistan. Compared to last year and the two-year average, onion prices remain significantly lower, while tomato and potato prices show minor changes.
Labour Market: Labour market conditions continued to weaken with the onset of winter. Casual labour availability declined to 1.9 days per week, while unskilled labour wages remained low at AFN 301 per day. Compared to last year and the two-year average, labour availability remains significantly lower, highlighting continued contraction in income-earning opportunities.
Diesel: The national average price of diesel continued to decline during the third week of December, falling by 3.9% week-on-week to AFN 66.0 per litre, supported by improved supply from Central Asian countries. Despite the weekly decline, diesel prices remain elevated, standing 11% higher than last year and 6% above the two-year average. Globally, the average diesel price stood at USD 1.24 per litre as of 15 December 2025.
Non-Food Items: Prices of key non-food commodities remained largely stable with negligible week-on-week changes. Compared to last year, DAP fertilizer prices remain significantly higher, while urea, improved seed, and animal feed prices are slightly above last year’s levels but remain below their two-year averages.