The World Food Programme (WFP) has recently warned that job opportunities in the country remain severely limited, wages for workers are low, and people’s purchasing power has declined.
In its weekly Afghanistan market report, which reviews market conditions during the third week of July 2025, the organization stated that the average number of working days for seasonal laborers is only 2.4 days per week, while the average daily wage for unskilled workers is reported to be 316 Afghanis.
WFP emphasized that these figures indicate no improvement in employment levels or income compared to the two-year average, and that widespread economic stagnation and unemployment persist.
The report further notes that prices of several essential food items remain high across the country compared to the same period last year.
According to the organization, the price of salt has increased by 20%, cooking oil by 18%, rice by 9%, and low-cost wheat flour by 1%.
The report indicates that the national average price of WFP’s in-kind food basket rose by 0.3% compared to the previous week and by 1% compared to last year. This basket, which includes the basic food needs of families, serves as a benchmark for measuring food access under both normal and crisis conditions.
It also states that the food basket defined by the Food Security and Agriculture Cluster in May 2024 at a cost of 5,800 Afghanis has now decreased by 5.1%. However, the price level has not yet reached a point that would require immediate revision or adjustment.
According to the report, the prices of key vegetables decreased during the third week of July, mainly due to increased domestic production and improved access to markets.
Specifically, the price of tomatoes dropped by 4.7%, onions became 1.4% cheaper, and the price of potatoes rose by 1%.
In the non-food sector, such as chemical fertilizers and livestock feed, the report shows slight weekly fluctuations. However, on a year-on-year basis, fertilizer prices have declined, while prices of concentrated animal feed and improved seeds have increased.
