The price of wood and coal, fuel to heat homes, has surged in Kabul as winter approaches amid a drastic humanitarian situation affecting more than half of the country’s population.

The residents of Kabul expressed concerns, saying that they are unable to purchase the heating material this year due to economic challenges.

The price of 560 kg of coal has reached between 8,500 to 9,000 Afs this year.  

“We are poor people—we don’t have the capacity to purchase wood or coal, the Islamic Emirate should pay attention to this,” said Najibullah, a resident of Kabul.

“I couldn’t purchase it. Our economy is weak,” said Abdul Qudos, a resident of Kabul.

This comes as the sellers cited the export of coal to Pakistan as the main reason for the surge of prices inside the country.

“The prices have increased compared to the previous year. The price of wood was 7,000 Afs and this year it is sold for 8,000 Afs,” said Nor Gul, a seller.

“The coal is exported to Pakistan, and thus the prices have surged,” said Shakir, a resident of Kabul.

The deputy Minister of Economy, Abdul Latif Nazari, said that the ministry is trying to address the challenges of the citizens.

“We attempt to provide food and heating materials via contracts (with organizations), to reduce the prices, and to increase the ability of the householders to buy heating materials through humanitarian and development aid,” he said.

Most of the coal mines are located in the north of Afghanistan, while wood is produced in south of the country.