STORY: Afghans struggle to brace themselves for winter chill amid weak economy
SHOOTING TIME: Nov. 24, 2024
DATELINE: Nov. 25, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:09
LOCATION: Kabul
CATEGORY: ECONOMY/SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the lumber market in Kabul
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): GHAZI AHMAD, Afghan resident
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Pashto): FAZIL MOHAMMAD, Firewood seller

STORYLINE:

Afghans are struggling to brace themselves for the upcoming winter chill amid the weak economy.

The majority of people in Afghanistan usually choose firewood to heat their homes.

However, many Afghan residents' access to this necessity has become difficult due to the soaring price.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Dari): GHAZI AHMAD, Afghan resident
"I visited a few firewood shops today. The price for 560 kg of firewood is 14,000 to 15,000 afghanis (about 206 to 221 USD) this year, compared to 7,000 to 8,000 afghanis (about 103 to 118 USD) last year. We are shocked by the increase in firewood prices. 
As a shopkeeper, I have encountered financial difficulties in buying firewood. It is very difficult for other people to buy firewood. It is not possible."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Pashto): FAZIL MOHAMMAD, Firewood seller
"Now our sales volume is low. We have sold about 560 kg of firewood so far, but in previous years we can sell up to 8,400 kg of firewood and the business was good then.
In the past, we could buy two kilos of meat every week, but now we buy two kilos of meat a month. There is no work. If there is work, we can buy meat, fruit, and clothes, but when there is no work, we can't afford anything."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Kabul.
(XHTV)