Rising Dollar value sparks concerns over food prices in Afghanistan

With the increasing value of the U.S. dollar against the Afghanistan’s currency, many citizens have expressed concerns about its impact on food prices and have called on the authorities to take serious action.

Azizullah, a Kabul resident, told Khaama Press that he is worried about the rising cost of food in the country. He stated, “People are in very difficult economic conditions, and many, including myself, cannot afford to buy and provide food, making the rising prices even more concerning.”

Azizullah, 58, who has not received his pension for three years, added, “I am responsible for a family of six, and I have been struggling to provide even basic food for them.” He urged the Taliban administration to take immediate measures to stabilize the exchange rate, as people cannot cope with the skyrocketing prices.

Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a 90-day suspension of foreign aid to assess its effectiveness and alignment with U.S. foreign policy goals. This decision has significantly contributed to the rise in the value of the U.S. dollar in Afghanistan.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the suspension of foreign aid, including assistance to Afghanistan, stating that only aid to Israel and Egypt will continue while others remain on hold pending further review.

Javid, a shopkeeper in Kabul, reported that food prices have surged following the rise in the dollar’s value. He noted that the price of a bag of flour has increased from 1,400 to 1,520 Afghanis, a can of cooking oil from 1,700 to 2,060 Afghanis, and a kilogram of sugar from 350 to 420 Afghanis.

He warned that if the dollar rate is not controlled, food and other essential items could become even more expensive, worsening the economic challenges faced by ordinary Afghans.

In response to the currency crisis, Afghanistan’s central bank has auctioned $45 million this week to stabilize the value of currency against foreign currencies.

The central bank issued a statement describing the market fluctuations as normal, assuring the public that sufficient financial resources are available to maintain economic stability, manage liquidity, and meet market demands.

Reports indicate that at the beginning of the month, the dollar was valued at 70 Afghanis, but it has since risen steadily. Currently, the buying rate stands at 78.4667 Afghanis per U.S. dollar, with a selling rate of 78.6667 Afghanis.

Economic experts have previously warned of Afghanistan’s worsening economic conditions and a looming humanitarian crisis following the suspension of international aid. The rising dollar value continues to exacerbate financial hardships for millions of citizens.

Over the past three years, the United States has been Afghanistan’s largest international donor, providing more than $2 billion in aid to humanitarian organizations, according to the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR). The halt in assistance raises serious concerns about Afghanistan’s economic stability and the well-being of its people.

The rising dollar value continues to strain Afghanistan’s economy, driving up food prices and worsening hardships for citizens. Urgent authorities intervention and international support are crucial to stabilize the situation and prevent further crisis.

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