Media Review for 04.17.20

Revision of investment and current expenses of the state budget, prices in the consumer market, increase in the volume of automobile fuel in March, and other topics are in the focus of today's media.

The Azerbaijan newspaper cites a commentary on the economic situation in the country by the head of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms, Vusal Gasimli. Despite a surplus in the state budget in the first two months of 2020, the subsequent unfavorable economic environment was formed against the backdrop of global shocks due to the Corona Virus pandemic and the collapse in oil prices.

In Azerbaijan, this will lead to lower revenues from the oil sector and another 20 other sectors. This requires a review of investment and current budget expenditures, prioritization of appropriations, increased transparency and efficient use of public funds.

The website Yenisabah.az writes about the increase in prices in the consumer market in the first quarter of 2020. The author notes that the price increase during this period amounted to 103%, including by 105.2% for food products and tobacco products.

The greatest growth was recorded in buckwheat, round rice, pasta, beef and lamb, sausages, fresh fish, fruits, vegetables.

On the contrary, prices for flour, frozen fish, pasteurized milk, yoghurts, bananas, sugar decreased.

The website Yeniavaz.com notes that in the first quarter of the year the population spent 481.9 million manat on the purchase of gasoline. The largest amount was recorded in March - 170 million manat.

The paradox of the situation is that in March restrictions were imposed on movement in connection with the pandemic, and from March 24 a special quarantine regime was introduced. Earlier, long-distance passenger transportation was suspended. -0-