AZE.US
Fish markets in Baku are seeing weaker demand as warmer weather sets in, but prices remain high across several popular varieties.
Sellers say fewer people are buying fish in the warmer months, while the range of products on display has also narrowed. Demand typically declines in summer, when consumers become more cautious about freshness and storage conditions.
According to Vesti Baku, buyers say some types of fish are now about 5-6 manats more expensive than last year. Still, many customers continue to buy fish at least once a week if they believe the product is fresh.
Current prices vary by type and size. Small fish can sell for around 3 manats per kilogram, while pike-perch is priced at about 10 manats. Trout, one of the most popular options, is selling for around 11-12 manats per kilogram, or roughly $6.50-$7. Larger trout can reach about 13 manats.
Carp and other fish from the Kura River are also selling at around 11-12 manats per kilogram. Chupra and dorado are more expensive, with prices ranging from 18 to 20 manats per kilogram, or about $10.50–$12.
Sellers say trout remains the most in-demand fish at the moment, even though overall demand is lower than in winter. Some fish on the market comes from local sources, including the Kura River, while trout is mainly imported from Iran.
The main reason prices are not falling sharply, sellers say, is the added cost of selling fish in summer. Hot weather increases expenses for refrigeration, transport, storage and sanitary conditions.
The result is a market that looks weaker but not cheaper. There are fewer buyers at the stalls, but the costs behind the counter remain high – and those costs are still being passed on to consumers.
AZE.US