By AZE.US
Prices for seasonal fruit and vegetables are changing across Baku’s markets as summer produce begins to disappear from stalls. Vendors warn that some items could become considerably more expensive as supplies decline.
Watermelon season is expected to continue for about another 20 days. Watermelons currently sell for 0.60-0.70 manats ($0.35-$0.41) per kilogram. Vendors say demand will largely depend on the weather, as consumers generally buy fewer watermelons once temperatures fall.
Melons are more expensive, selling for between 1 and 1.50 manats ($0.59–$0.88) per kilogram, depending on their quality.
The grape season, meanwhile, is only beginning. Grapes currently cost around 2.50 manats ($1.47) per kilogram, although vendors expect supplies to increase in October.
Peach prices have risen particularly sharply. Vendor Yusif Aliyev, who has sold peaches for 15 years, said he previously bought them for around 0.82 manats per kilogram and sold them for 1.30-1.50 manats. This year, his wholesale cost has reached 2.50 manats, while retail prices range from 2.80 to 3 manats ($1.65-$1.76) per kilogram.
Aliyev said the increase has affected purchasing power. Customers who previously bought 10 kilograms of fruit now often limit their purchases to three to five kilograms.
Demand for vegetables is also rising as households prepare preserves and other supplies for winter. Tomato prices vary considerably by variety and quality, ranging from 1 to 3 manats ($0.59-$1.76) per kilogram. Sellers expect the local tomato season to last for approximately another month.
Cucumbers currently cost around 1.50 manats ($0.88) per kilogram. Vendors warned that prices could climb to 3-4 manats ($1.76-$2.35) as supplies decrease.
Shoppers have complained that prices remain high even at the end of the summer season. Market vendors do not rule out further increases for some fruit and vegetables in the coming weeks.
AZE.US