Shoppers in Baku say autumn fruit has become more expensive, while market vendors expect prices to ease as seasonal supplies increase.
Mandarins were selling for 1.20 to 1.50 manats per kilogram, pears for 2.50 manats and quince for 2 to 2.50 manats, according to prices recorded in a local television report.
Prices varied according to the size and quality of the produce. Smaller mandarins were available for 1.30 manats per kilogram, while korolek persimmons were priced at 2.50 to 3 manats.
Prices Recorded at Baku Markets
- Mandarins: 1.20–1.50 manats per kilogram.
- Korolek persimmons: 2.50–3 manats per kilogram.
- Pears: 2.50 manats per kilogram.
- Quince: 2–2.50 manats per kilogram.
Vendors offered differing assessments of the market. Some described current prices as moderate, while others acknowledged that certain seasonal fruits cost more than they did last year.
One trader said produce he previously sold for 1.50 to 2 manats was now priced at 3 manats. The television segment did not specify which fruit he was referring to.
Customers also complained about the increase. One shopper said fruit was more expensive this year and pointed to her nearly empty shopping bag.
Vendors Expect Prices to Ease
Sellers attributed the relatively high prices to the start of the season, when the first shipments reach markets in limited quantities.
They said prices could gradually decline as more seasonal fruit becomes available, but they did not give a timetable or estimate the size of any reduction.
Sources: Vesti Baku; Azerbaijani television market report.