Afghanistan: Eid markets subdued as prices rise and economic hardship persists

Afghanistan: Eid markets subdued as prices rise and economic hardship persists

With the Eid al-Fitr holiday approaching, markets across Afghanistan are seeing more shoppers, but vendors and residents say economic hardship and rising prices are dampening the usual festive activity. Fruit sellers in the western city of Herat say prices of dried fruits — traditionally bought for Eid celebrations — have increased as key border crossings with Pakistan remain closed. Some vendors say the economic slowdown has also reduced custom…