By AZE.US
Beef prices in Baku have risen by around 1-2 manats per kilogram in recent days.
Beef with the bone now sells for about 19 manats per kilogram, while boneless cuts cost as much as 25 manats. Farmers, butchers and economists point to several pressures behind the increase.
Butchers said beef with the bone previously sold for around 18 manats per kilogram, while boneless cuts cost 22-23 manats. Prices now vary by shop and cut, with boneless beef reaching 24-25 manats.
Farmers cite the rising cost of feed, hay collection and keeping cattle. One livestock farmer said he had reduced his herd from eight to 10 animals to four because the costs were no longer worthwhile. Butchers also reported higher livestock prices in the regions where they buy their stock.
Economist Khalid Karimli told Demokrat.az that a smaller livestock population, stronger demand and more expensive imports were all contributing to higher prices. According to figures he cited, the number of sheep and goats has fallen by roughly 20% over the past decade, while the number of cattle has declined by 5-6%. He said demand for meat had increased over the same period.
Another expert interviewed in a television report pointed to higher costs for feed, transport, fuel and labor. The report cited an estimate that beef prices had risen 8% over eight months, while increases in some market prices over 12 months may have exceeded 20%. Those are the expert’s estimates, not a uniform price change across all shops.
The experts differ on which factor matters most: some emphasize local livestock numbers and farmers’ costs, while others point to international prices. The Agriculture Ministry, asked by journalists about the supply situation, said the matter required further examination.
Karimli also said livestock disease could affect future supplies and prices, though its impact on the amount of meat reaching the market remains unclear.
AZE.US