A number of residents in Herat say that with the onset of cold weather, the prices of firewood and charcoal have risen in the markets of this province.

They add that due to poverty and the high cost of firewood, they cannot afford to heat their homes.

Mohammad Tahir, a resident of Herat, said: "I wanted to buy firewood; its price was 80 to 90 Afghanis per seven kilos. four kilos of charcoal has reached 200 Afghanis. I can't afford to buy it."

Mahmood, another resident of Herat, added: "How can we get through the winter days? Since morning, I’ve earned only 10 Afghanis. How can I buy firewood? Previously, conditions were better, and I could afford firewood."

Some sellers in the firewood and coal market in the southern part of Herat city say that the prices have increased, and the number of their customers has decreased compared to last year.

Abdul Qayoom, one of the sellers, said: "This year, coal prices are higher than in previous years because the roads are blocked, and charcoal is not being transported. Last year, the price of coal was 180 Afghanis, but now it has reached 230 to 240 Afghanis."

Mohammad Azam, another seller, said: "As prices rise, people's purchasing power decreases. Most of the buyers of firewood and charcoal are impoverished individuals."

On the other hand, Herat's local officials have assured that they will take the necessary measures to prevent an increase in fuel prices this winter.

Abdul Hadi Noori, the spokesperson for Herat municipality, said: "I assure you that Herat municipality has assigned a team to monitor market prices. The governor and the Chamber of Commerce are also part of this team."

The rise in firewood and charcoal prices during the cold season has made life harder for impoverished people.

Finding food on the one hand and heating their homes on the other has become a serious concern for many poor families during the winter.