AZE.US
Fish prices are rising in Baku, where sellers say the market has seen both a decline in available varieties and higher prices for several types of fish.
According to Vesti Baku, citing Baku TV, one of the cheapest options currently available is trout, which sells for around 11-12 manats, or about $6.50-$7.10, per kilogram. Other types of fish are considerably more expensive.
Sellers said some imported fish from Turkey has become about 2 manats more expensive, rising from around 17 manats, or about $10, to 19-20 manats, or roughly $11.20-$11.80, per kilogram.
Some varieties that previously sold for about 30 manats, or around $17.60, are now priced at about 35 manats, or roughly $20.60. Salmon is being offered at about 27 manats, or nearly $15.90, while some other types of fish also reach 35 manats per kilogram.
Buyers have mixed views. Some say prices have become too high, while others describe them as still manageable and say they continue to buy fish despite the increase.
Economist Khalid Kerimli said fish prices are affected not only by demand, but also by broader costs across the food market, including prices for meat, poultry and other animal products. He said higher transportation, storage and production costs have also pushed prices upward.
Kerimli said costs have increased compared with last year for both fish producers and importers. He also pointed to disruptions linked to developments in Iran, saying interruptions in supply chains and imports of fish products from Iran have added pressure to the market.
The economist said he does not expect meat or fish prices to fall in the coming months. Instead, he said the upward trend is likely to continue.
That means the summer season alone is unlikely to bring relief for consumers. For buyers in Baku, fish is becoming a more expensive item even as demand remains steady.
AZE.US