Village chicken and egg prices have risen in Baku and several regions of Azerbaijan, with the price of a bird increasing by 2 to 5 manats and individual eggs reaching 40 gapiks.
Market reports from Baku, Ismayilli, Tovuz and Shirvan indicate that demand for village chicken has increased as beef has become more expensive. Sellers say consumers are looking for a cheaper substitute for red meat, while the supply of village-raised poultry has declined.
Chicken Prices Rise by Up to 5 Manats
In Ismayilli, chickens that previously sold for 12 to 13 manats are now offered for 15 manats. Local sellers said the increase occurred over the past month.
Prices remain somewhat lower in Shirvan, where sellers buy directly from rural households. Chickens offered for 15 manats in some markets can be found there for 12 to 13 manats, depending on size and weight.
Traders in Baku also reported tighter supply. One seller said daily deliveries had fallen from about 1,000 birds to 400. That figure reflects the experience of one trader rather than the entire capital market.
Ten Village Eggs Now Cost 4 Manats
Village eggs in Baku have risen from 25 to 30 gapiks to 40 gapiks each. In Tovuz, the price was 20 to 25 gapiks a month ago and now also reaches 40 gapiks.
Sellers in Ismayilli said the wholesale price increased from 30 to 35 gapiks. At a retail price of 40 gapiks, sales have slowed because many customers still expect to pay 30 gapiks.
Ten village eggs now cost 4 manats, compared with 2.5 to 3 manats at the earlier price.
Seasonal Supply Adds Pressure
Murvet Hasanli, chairman of Azerbaijan’s Poultry Meat and Egg Producers and Exporters Association, attributed the increase to seasonal conditions and stronger demand. He said higher red-meat prices and a shortage of chicken fillet have pushed consumers toward other poultry products.
Village hens lay fewer eggs in autumn and winter. Hasanli estimated that daily production of village eggs may fall from 300,000 to 400,000 in summer to about 80,000 as colder weather arrives.
Growth in Azerbaijan’s overall chicken-meat output does not necessarily mean there is more village-raised poultry on the market. Hasanli said village chicken and egg prices could rise further as temperatures fall.
Source: Vesti Baku.