AZE.US
Potato prices have risen sharply across markets in Azerbaijan, with the cost of one kilogram reaching around 2 manats in some locations, roughly double the levels seen earlier this year.
Just a week ago, potatoes were commonly sold for about 1 to 1.5 manats per kilogram, but traders say prices have climbed by 50–60 gapiks in recent days.
The price now varies depending on the type and origin of the product.
Fresh potatoes from the new harvest are currently sold for between 2 and 3.5 manats per kilogram, while last year’s locally produced potatoes generally cost between 1.5 and 2 manats.
Imported potatoes remain somewhat cheaper. Products from Russia are typically priced between 0.8 and 1 manat, while potatoes from Belarus sell for roughly 1 to 1.2 manats per kilogram. Iranian potatoes, when available, usually cost around 1 to 1.8 manats.
Economist Natig Jafarli says one of the main factors behind the price increase is the growth of potato exports from Azerbaijan since late last year. Production levels have not expanded at the same pace, leaving less supply available on the domestic market.
Another key factor has been disruptions in imports from Iran, which previously accounted for about 10-15% of potatoes sold in Azerbaijan.
According to Jafarli, trade flows were temporarily interrupted for several days amid regional tensions, reducing the volume of goods entering the country and pushing prices upward.
Experts say the price spike is likely temporary. As the new domestic harvest enters the market in larger quantities, potato prices are expected to gradually stabilize.