In December, food prices rose by 4.4%

In December, in the capital and in other major cities of the country, food prices rose on average by 4.4%. During the month, the price of beef in the capital rose by 6%, in the regions - by 13-14% and mutton in the capital rose by 11% and in the regions - 12-18%. Butter in the capital rose in price by 3.2% and in the regions – by 3.2-4.8%, eggs rose in the capital by 25% and in the regions – by 11-25%. In some parts of Azerbaijan milk increased in price by 11%, and cream – by 16.7%.

During the holidays, the most used dried fruits rose by 15% and fresh fish rose by 10%. Prices for other food products remained unchanged. Higher prices more affected agricultural products, as well as fruits and vegetables. Due to the season, as well as holidays, the prices increased an average of 20-25%. In particular, tomatoes grew by 20%, cucumbers – by 35%, cabbages – by 40%, beets and carrots – by 30%, apples – by 20%, citruses – by 30%, pomegranates – by 30%, and bananas – by 10%.

Economists and experts believe that the December price increase in the pre-holiday period was mainly due to the monopolization and weak government control over the consumer market. According to one expert, a group of people exploits the increasing purchasing power of citizens during the holidays. Experts also believe that, in comparison with previous years, the purchasing power decreased. The manager of a supermarket in Baku explained that every year he feels decline of the purchasing power of citizens.

As for the prices, in the coming days they will remain unchanged.