RASC News Agency: Following the Taliban’s decision to reduce the price of flatbread in Herat, several bakers have accused the group of engaging in self-promotion. On Tuesday, July 16, the Taliban’s municipal office in Herat announced that the price of a loaf of flatbread weighing 260 grams had been reduced from 10 kabuli rupees to 8 kabuli rupees.
The Taliban municipal office stated that this decision was made for the benefit of the people. The office emphasized that this decree was based on the resolution of the Commission for the Prevention of Hoarding and Price Control of Goods and Services in Herat province, and that legal action would be taken against violators. According to this resolution, bakers are also required to use electric scales.
Meanwhile, Herat bakers have labeled the Taliban’s decision as “unfair and unjust,” stating that it was made without considering the price of flour and without consulting the bakers. The bakers accused the Taliban of oppressing the working class to enhance their own reputation. Herat bakers criticized the Taliban’s actions, saying they made an arbitrary decision without considering the economic situation of the bakers and the price of flour, which amounts to nothing more than self-promotion.
The bakers in Herat added that they were not consulted about the reduction in bread prices and would not accept the Taliban’s decision. Previously, some businessmen in Herat had accused the Taliban of extortion under the guise of taxes.
Since regaining power, the Taliban have been accused of extorting money from Afghanistani citizens under various pretexts. Hundreds of complaints have been filed against the Taliban’s passport office, national ID office, and other government departments for demanding bribes to perform even the most basic services.
