Coal exports to Pakistan have increased significantly compared to the last year amidst a rise in fuel prices in the international markets, the Afghanistan Chamber of Industries and Mines (ACIM) said on Tuesday.

But according to ACIM members, the increase in coal exports to Pakistan is happening amidst a rise in coal prices in the country's markets, creating concerns for factory owners.

“Rising fuel prices in world markets have significantly increased the exports of Afghanistan’s coal to Pakistan in the last three to four months,” said Sakhi Ahmad Paiman, head of the Chamber of Industries and Mines.

Business owners said that there is an increase of 6,000 Afs ($67) in each ton of coal, which is almost double than th last year.

“Based on the contract, all pf Afghanistan's coal is sent to Pakistan, that is why the coal prices have increased in the country,” said Jalil, a coal seller.

“The only reason for the rise in coal prices is that our country's coal is exported to Pakistan, and that is the only problems,” said Shapour, a coal seller.

Analysts said that as fuel prices increase in world markets, Pakistan is trying to provide it’s necessary energy form Afghanistan's coal.

“At a time when fuel and liquefied natural gas prices have risen in the world, Pakistan is trying to provide its required energy from Afghanistan's coal, therefore, it is importing coal from Afghanistan,” said Tariq Farhadi, an analyst.

Most of Afghanistan’s coal mines are located in Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, Baghlan, Samangan, Balkh, Sar-e-Pul, Bamyan, Daikundi, Jawzjan, Badghis and Herat provinces.