Several shopkeepers told TOLOnews that grocery sales in the capital saw a surge on the first day of Ramadan.

According to shopkeepers, markets have become more active compared to the past two days, and food prices have also decreased.

Idris, a shopkeeper in the capital, stated: “Today is the first day of Ramadan. The market was good yesterday and the day before, but today it is even better. People have come to the market to shop.”

Another shopkeeper, Abdul Ghani, said: “Prices are reasonable. The price list provided by the Emirate is balanced with the system, but people are struggling and cannot afford to buy much.”

Meanwhile, some residents of the capital who visited the market for essential goods urged the interim government to take serious measures to prevent food price hikes during Ramadan.

Momin, a Kabul resident, expressed his concern: “Our request of the Islamic Emirate is to strictly control market prices and reduce them.”

Kabul Municipality has assured efforts to stabilize the prices of essential goods and has emphasized that legal action will be taken against price gougers.

Nematullah Barakzai, a representative of Kabul Municipality, told TOLOnews: “Kabul Municipality, as usual, is working seriously in accordance with its pricing regulations. Fortunately, given the stability of the dollar in the market, prices remain stable. The contact number 155 is available to all citizens. If anyone is found overpricing, our teams in the field will take action.”

Food prices in the country’s markets traditionally rise with the arrival of Ramadan each year.