Afghanistan: Weekly Market Report: Issue 295: Week 2 - May 2026

Country: Afghanistan Source: World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. Highlights Exchange Rate and Trade Dynamics: During the second week of May, the Afghani exchange rate appreciated slightly to AFN 63.6/USD, up 1.3% from the previous week and remaining stronger than both last year (-9%) and the three-year average (- 17%). Domestic markets continued to function with generally adequate commodity availability, supported by ongoing domestic harvests and sustained commodity inflows through western and northern trade corridors and rail networks. While overall market conditions remained relatively stable, transportation costs, regional trade uncertainties, and reliance on alternative import routes continue to expose domestic supply chains to external market and geopolitical risks, leading to fluctuations in commodity availability and prices across provinces. Food Items: Overall, national average food prices generally declined during the second week of May, with most key food commodities recording week-on-week decreases. Wheat grain (-1.8%), wheat flour (high-price -1.5%; low-price -2.6%), highquality rice (-2.4%), cooking oil (-1.5%), and pulses (-0.2%) recorded declines during the week, while low-quality rice (+0.5%) and salt (+0.4%) increased slightly. Sugar and bread prices remained stable compared to the previous week. Compared to last year, most major food commodities continue to remain above last year’s levels, mainly wheat grain (+18%), wheat flour (high-price +10%; low-price +13%), rice (high-quality +41%; low-quality +28%), cooking oil (+7%), sugar (+31%), and salt (+9%). Vegetables: Vegetable prices continued to decline during the second week of May, mainly driven by improved seasonal availability and increased domestic market supply. Tomato (-15.9%), potato (-11.0...

Original source: Relief Web