AZE.US
Food prices at bazaars across Azerbaijan are edging higher ahead of the Novruz holiday, as demand for traditional праздничный table items picks up.
Vendors say prices for key продуктов have been rising steadily over the past several months, particularly for nuts and dried fruits, which are central to Novruz celebrations.
At Baku markets, current prices include:
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walnuts at around 13-14 manats per kg,
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hazelnuts ranging from 16 to 24 manats,
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peanuts at 5-6 manats,
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raisins at about 8.5 manats.
Buyers say the increase is noticeable but expected. Many note that prices tend to rise every year ahead of the holiday, leaving little choice but to pay more.
The trend extends beyond праздничные sweets. Chicken prices have increased to around 6 manats per kg, up from roughly 5.3 manats ранее.
Fish prices, however, remain relatively stable, according to sellers.
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carp is priced at about 7 manats,
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sea carp at 12 manats,
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kutum ranges between 20 and 24 manats.
Economists link the price increases to a seasonal surge in demand, but warn against artificial markups. They stress the need for market monitoring and competition to keep pricing fair.
Analysts expect that prices may stabilize or decline slightly after the holiday, as demand weakens in the days following Novruz.