Poll: Mixed Hope, Skepticism Over Afghanistan’s Energy Governance

DID Press: A recent survey conducted by DID Press Agency reveals a divided public outlook on the proposal to establish an independent oil and gas authority in Afghanistan, reflecting both cautious optimism and deep institutional skepticism over energy governance in the country.

Afghanistan’s oil and gas sector has long faced structural, transparency, and institutional challenges. Against this backdrop, the idea of creating an independent authority has been floated as a potential solution to improve governance and oversight. The poll assessed public perceptions of how could be effective such an institution.

According to the findings, 43% of respondents believe that establishing an independent oil and gas authority will enhance transparency and coherence in managing the sector. This group views institutional independence as a key step toward reducing political interference, increasing accountability, and improving resource management.

Meanwhile, 36% argue that without fundamental reforms to governance structures and legal frameworks, creating a new authority would have little impact. Respondents in this group emphasize that meaningful change depends on legal clarity, transparent contracting systems, robust oversight mechanisms, and financial accountability.

A smaller segment, 7%, assessed the potential impact of such an authority as limited—acknowledging its usefulness but questioning its ability to deliver significant reform on its own. Another 11% expressed no opinion, possibly reflecting limited public information, technical complexity, or broader distrust in institutional processes.

Overall, the poll suggests that while public opinion leans slightly toward optimism, there is a strong consensus that institutional independence alone is insufficient. Analysts note that without structural reforms, legal transparency, and independent oversight, forming an oil and gas authority is unlikely to ensure effective and sustainable management of Afghanistan’s energy resources.