RASC News Agency: In the vast expanse of western Afghanistan, numerous proprietors of mobile accessory shops situated in the province of Herat affirm the escalation in prices of specific smartphone accessories by national traders. Hakim Delawari, one of shopkeeper among mobile accessory retailers in Herat, conveyed to a correspondent from RASC on Monday, December 25, that the prices of particular items associated with smartphones have surged by an astonishing 60%, fomenting unrest among shopkeepers in this tumultuous market environment. He expounded, stating, “For instance, in the past, an authentic mobile charger could be procured for 100 kabuli rupees, the prevailing currency in Afghanistan, from accessory vendors. However, it has now extended to a range of 130 to 150 kabuli rupees.”
Delawari further emphasized that the prevailing economic adversity and the challenges posed by poverty and unemployment render the residents of Herat incapable of affording essential mobile accessories such as chargers. Moreover, he observed that contemporary smartphones necessitate a plethora of accessories that should be readily accessible to the public. Delawari contends that the Taliban should initiate dialogues with national traders to address the predicament and curtail the prices of all commodities, particularly accessories. Meanwhile, Mosa, a resident of Herat, remarked to the RASC News Agency, “Presently, the ubiquity of mobile phones stands as one of the essential needs of the populace that must be within their grasp.”
He added, “In contemporary circumstances, if an individual lacks possession of a mobile phone available in the markets of Herat, it signifies a societal lag in contemporary technology.” Mosa argues that with a precise plan devised by national traders in coordination with the Taliban at the foreign goods entry points, the gradual mitigation of price hikes will transpire over time. Najibullah Khalilzadah, a spokesperson for national traders in Herat, asserted to RASC that the surge in prices of foreign goods does not emanate from traders but directly originates from the source.
He added that the majority of mobile accessory imports in Afghanistan come from China, entering the region. However, Khalilzadah did not delve further into his claim. The authorities of the Taliban in Herat province have maintained a stoic silence on this matter. It’s noteworthy that, following the capital, Herat province in western Afghanistan has experienced the most extensive utilization of both smartphones and non-smartphones.
