By AZE.US
Beef prices have increased again in Azerbaijan, with consumers now paying around 18-19 manats ($10.59–$11.18) per kilogram, depending on the market and cut.
Shoppers interviewed for a local television report said the same meat had previously cost 16-17 manats ($9.41–$10) per kilogram.
Most estimated that prices had risen by 1-2 manats over the past one to two months.
Meat vendors confirmed the increase. Veal that previously sold for about 17 manats per kilogram is now priced at 18.50-19 manats ($10.88-$11.18), reaching as high as 19.50 manats ($11.47) in some locations.
Mutton prices vary by market. Some vendors reported increases from 22-22.50 manats to 23–24 manats ($13.53–$14.12) per kilogram, while certain cuts may cost 25–26 manats ($14.71–$15.29). Sellers in other areas said mutton prices had remained unchanged.
Consumers Buy 30% to 50% Less Meat
The higher prices are already affecting demand. Vendors said many customers are unhappy with the increases and have reduced the amount of meat they purchase by 30% to 50%.
A family that previously bought five kilograms may now purchase only three or four kilograms. Customers who once bought two kilograms are sometimes limiting their purchases to about 1.5 kilograms.
Sales volumes have also declined. Some vendors who previously sold three or four animal carcasses a day now sell between one and three. Others said it can take two or three days to sell the quantity they previously sold in a single day.
Market participants blamed the increases on a shortage of livestock and the rising cost of animal feed and hay.
Vendors warned that meat prices could rise further if the cost of raising livestock continues to increase.
AZE.US