Rural chicken prices are moving in sharply different directions across two Azerbaijani markets. Buyers in Ujar say prices have tripled from previous levels, while shoppers and traders in Tovuz report declines for some types of poultry.
In Ujar, buyers told a local television report that rural chicken meat once sold for about 5 manats ($2.94) per kilogram but can now cost as much as 15 manats ($8.82). For many households, the increase has become a significant strain on the family budget.
Prices Vary by Size and Type
Ujar sellers said prices depend on a bird’s age, size and how it was raised. Small rural chickens are offered for 5 to 7 manats each, while larger birds cost roughly 10 to 15 manats. Broiler chicken was quoted at about 4.90 manats per kilogram, although differences in weight and the method of sale mean the figures are not directly comparable.
Shoppers said they often prefer rural chicken for its taste, even though the meat is generally firmer and takes longer to cook. Broiler meat is softer and usually cooks more quickly.
Some Poultry Gets Cheaper in Tovuz
The market picture is different in Tovuz. Buyers said birds that previously cost 12 to 13 manats can now sometimes be found for 9 to 10 manats. Prices for some categories of young poultry reportedly fell from 17 to 20 manats to around 14 to 15 manats. Sellers quoted roughly 15 to 18 manats for some roosters, depending on their size and type.
Despite the lower prices, traders complained of weak demand and declining purchasing power. Some market participants linked price fluctuations to poultry illnesses, but the report provided no independent veterinary data confirming the scale of any health problem.
The figures are local market observations rather than a national price average. Comparisons should also distinguish between prices per kilogram and prices for a whole bird.
Source: Vesti Baku, based on reporting from local markets. The same underlying report was also published in a second Vesti Baku item.