AZE.US
Higher import costs, currency pressure and global logistics disruptions are driving a broad increase in vehicle maintenance expenses across the country.
Prices for automobile spare parts in Azerbaijan have increased by roughly 10-20% over the past six months, according to market participants, with the rise affecting a wide range of products from engine oils to suspension components.
Sellers say the increase is not artificial but reflects higher import costs. Lower-priced items have risen by only a few manats, while parts previously costing 200-300 manats have in some cases become 30-40 manats more expensive.
The main drivers include higher international transport and logistics expenses, as well as price growth among foreign manufacturers. Currency dynamics are also adding pressure: changes in the exchange rate against the euro are directly raising the cost of goods sourced from European markets.
Economists point to global inflation in producer countries and delays along international transport corridors as additional factors pushing prices upward. Weak domestic competition and continued exchange-rate volatility mean a sharp decline in spare-part prices is unlikely in the near term.