RASC News Agency: Numerous food vendors in Herat have raised concerns about the declining purchasing power of the province’s residents, many of whom can now afford only the bare minimum to stave off hunger. Vendors warn that the onset of winter will exacerbate the situation, as many families lack sufficient funds to secure food or prepare heating provisions to endure the cold months ahead. According to the vendors, some residents are limiting their purchases to quantities that barely sustain them for a single day.
One shopkeeper explained, “Our sales are directly tied to the economic capacity of the people. Compared to previous years, their purchasing power has significantly diminished. This year is incomparable to last.” Another vendor remarked, “Last year, our sales were much better. This year, people just aren’t buying. Those coming from villages only buy in larger quantities if their produce sells at good prices. If not, they make minimal purchases.” Meanwhile, several tradespeople in Herat report that limited employment opportunities have left them unable to purchase sufficient household supplies.
One artisan lamented, “My daily earnings range from 20 to 70 kabuli rupees, which is far from enough to cover my expenses.” A local resident shared his plight: “There’s no work. Yesterday, I worked the entire day and didn’t earn even a single rupee. Winter is here, and we need coal. I have a child who requires formula milk. I had no choice but to borrow money yesterday to provide for my family.” This is not the first time Herat residents have expressed frustrations over the declining vibrancy of local markets, citing the economic downturn as the primary culprit.
