Kabul residents, especially drivers complaining of the high cost of the fuel, have accused the government of lying about promises to decrease fuel and gas prices. 

Although the finance ministry announced 15 days ago that they have reduced custom charges on the fuel imports from 12 percent to six percent to decrease the cost of fuel, Kabul residents and drivers on Monday said government move has not affected the oil and gas prices in the market. 

The residents said the government lied about decreasing the costs of fuel and gas, adding that in the last two days the lost of diesel had increase by 2AFs per liter. 

“Price have not dropped,” Jan Mohammad, Kabul resident said. 

“Last week the oil was cheaper but now it is expensive although the customs charge is decreased,” Mohammad Hafiz, Kabul resident said. 

“Prices have not dropped although the customs charges have decreased. The government should monitor the situation and the costs should decrease,” Mahbob Shah, Kabul resident said. 

Deputy head of custom and revenue department at finance ministry Najibullah Wardak said in the last week fuel had been imported under the new custom charge. 

According to Wardak, currently, the customs charges on one ton of fuel have been decreased by $150 USD. 

“In all our custom systems, the customs charges decreased from 12 to 6 percent,” said Wardak. 

Despite consecutive efforts, TOLOnews was not able to get a comment from the Fuel and Gas Importers Union. 

Earlier the union welcomed the changes in customs charges and said the fuel cost will decrease in the markets.