Fuel prices dip but transport fares remain unchanged

KABUL (Pajhwok): Residents of this central capital on Wednesday complained of high transport fares despite a significant slump in fuel rates in the international market.

Prices of gas, petrol and diesel recently decreased. The rate of one litre of diesel and petrol has come down from 60 afghanis to 45afs, officials said last week, linking the fall to market trends.

Kabul residents lamented that despite the rate cuts, transport fares had not been slashed in the capital. They asked the authorities to discharge their responsibility by forcing fare rationalization.

A dweller of Panjsad Family area, Hamid Hamidi, said fares remained unchanged, with food and essential item prices still high. The situation spoke volumes for the authorities’ unconcern and negligence, he alleged.

Also a university student, Hamidi told Pajhwok Afghan News: “When the prices of fuel go up, drivers instantly increase fares. But when they comes down, the benefit isn’t passed on to commuters.”

The average fare from Panjsad Family area to Shahr-I-Naw remains 30 afghanis. He asked relevant officials to control fares and act in line with the law against perpetrators.

But taxi driver Aminullah said despite the rates of fuel dipping, his daily income remained the same. “I agree fuel prices have fallen, but there are fewer passengers, and traffic police also take bribes from drivers.”

Aminullah, who recently graduated from school, is the only breadwinner for his family. He alleged traffic officers in Afghanistan looked for ways of fleecing drivers.

On the other hand, Traffic Director Gen. Asad denied the bribery allegation and asked drivers to share evidence with him in support of their claim.

mds/mud

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