ECONOMY — April 18, 2026
Afghan Minister Says Fuel Market Stable Despite Global Price Surge
Minister Nooruddin Azizi said at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey that Afghanistan's fuel market has remained stable with prices rising only three to five percent despite global increases. He emphasized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan's message of peace and noted the country's frozen assets after five decades of challenges.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with RTA — corroborated by Pajhwok — 2 min read
Nooruddin Azizi, Afghanistan's Minister of Commerce and Industry, assured that the country's oil and gas market has stayed stable even as global prices have surged sharply. Azizi said domestic prices for fuel have increased by only three to five percent, a situation made possible by the proactive steps taken by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to ensure energy supplies amid recent regional developments.
Azizi was addressing participants at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey during a panel discussion titled “Trust in Trade: The Future of Economic Integration and Stability in South Asia.” The minister emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and stronger human relations between countries.
Reflecting on the past, Azizi pointed out that Afghans have faced various challenges over approximately five decades, during which time the country's assets have remained frozen. He conveyed that the message of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is one of peace and peaceful coexistence. This position is rooted in religious values and the will of the Afghan people, Azizi said.
Read the original reporting at RTA →
Reliability assessment
Both independent outlets corroborate the core event of Minister Azizi's participation and key statements at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. Additional details on fuel prices and preparations appear only in Pajhwok with no contradictions from RTA; differing emphasis and coverage depth is normal and does not undermine the verified occurrence of the event or the attributable quotes.
The source language reads straight.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Nooruddin Azizi participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey and spoke in the Trust in Trade panel
- Azizi emphasized the importance of peace, stability, and strengthening human relations between countries
- Afghanistan has faced challenges for about five decades and its assets are currently frozen
- The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan promotes a message of peace and peaceful coexistence based on religious values and the will of the Afghan people
Where reports differ
- Pajhwok reports detailed claims about fuel market stability, only 3-5% domestic price rise, and advance IEA preparations; RTA does not mention fuel prices, market stability, or energy supply preparations at all
- RTA headline states Azizi emphasized release of frozen assets, but the article body only notes that assets are frozen without quoting any call for their release (Pajhwok similarly only notes they remained frozen)
Filed by 2 outlets
RTA
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Pajhwok
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
Economy — Nooruddin Azizi, Antalya Diplomacy Forum, fuel market stability, frozen assets, Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
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