AZE.US
Meat prices in Azerbaijan are continuing to rise, adding pressure on household budgets ahead of the holiday season.
Sellers say the increase has become a familiar pattern in the market. Over the past year, meat prices have reportedly gone up several times, with beef now selling at around 18 to 18.5 manats per kilogram and lamb reaching 22 to 23 manats.
The higher prices are already changing consumer behavior. Vendors say customers who previously bought 7 or 8 kilograms of meat now often leave with only 2 or 3 kilograms.
For many families, meat is no longer an easy routine purchase. Buyers say prices that once stood at 12 to 13 manats have gradually moved to 17, 18 or even 19 manats, depending on the cut and quality. Boneless meat that previously cost about 21 manats is now being sold for around 22 manats, while meat with bones has also edged higher.
Sellers and market participants point to rising costs across the supply chain. Feed prices remain one of the main concerns. Barley is reportedly selling at around 48 to 50 gapiks, while a single bale of hay costs about 7 manats. Transport costs and maintenance expenses have also increased.
Experts say the problem is deeper than seasonal demand. Azerbaijan’s livestock sector has been under pressure as feed resources weaken and some farmers move away from cattle breeding. In several regions, producers are switching to other agricultural activities because livestock farming has become more expensive and less profitable.
That pressure is reducing domestic supply and increasing dependence on imports. Azerbaijan continues to bring in cattle and meat from neighboring countries, especially Georgia. Meat has also been imported from Mongolia and other suppliers in recent periods.
But imports have not been enough to bring prices down. Experts say demand remains high, while the gap in domestic production continues to affect the market.
The upcoming Qurban holiday could push prices even higher. Demand for meat traditionally rises during the holiday period, and sellers expect the market to feel that pressure in the coming weeks.
AZE.US