In an effort to prevent any potential shortage of petroleum products in the country and ensure the continuous supply of gasoline, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to the Afghan market, a consultative meeting was held on Saturday, 4 July, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi, Chairman of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment (ACCI). The meeting, attended by ACCI deputy chairmen and a number of the country's leading fuel traders and importers, was held at the Chamber's headquarters.
The meeting was convened amid emerging challenges and supply constraints affecting petroleum products, particularly LPG, in several neighboring and regional countries. Recognizing the importance of safeguarding the domestic market, ACCI called on fuel traders and importers to demonstrate national responsibility by increasing imports of gasoline, diesel, and LPG and playing a more active role in meeting the country's energy needs.
Mr. Sayed Karim Hashemi commended the efforts and services of Afghan traders during challenging times, emphasizing that the private sector has consistently stood alongside the Afghan people by ensuring the supply of essential commodities, particularly petroleum products. He noted that traders and investors, as key pillars of the national economy, have a responsibility to increase imports in order to prevent any shortage of fuel products in the domestic market.
The Chairman also stressed that, alongside increasing imports, maintaining the quality of petroleum products is of critical importance. He urged traders to import gasoline, diesel, and LPG that meet the required standards and to prevent the entry of substandard fuel into the Afghan market.
The meeting also reviewed the challenges faced by fuel importers. Participants discussed issues including administrative and customs procedures, obstacles along import routes, ensuring the regular supply of petroleum products to the market, and the need for closer coordination between the private sector and the relevant institutions of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
ACCI reaffirmed that it would formally present the concerns and recommendations of fuel importers to the relevant authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, with the aim of facilitating imports, improving market regulation, meeting public demand, and preventing fuel shortages in accordance with applicable laws and procedures.
In addition, a number of Afghanistan's leading fuel traders and owners of major companies operating in the sector, from various provinces and abroad, participated in the meeting virtually. They shared their views and recommendations with the Chamber's leadership regarding increasing imports, maintaining market stability, and improving fuel quality.
At the conclusion of the meeting, participants emphasized the importance of close cooperation among ACCI, fuel importers, and the relevant authorities of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. It was also agreed to establish a joint and structured coordination mechanism to prevent any potential fuel crisis, facilitate the import of gasoline, diesel, and LPG, prevent the distribution of substandard petroleum products, and effectively address the challenges faced by fuel traders.
Sunday, 5 July 2026
