Novruz becomes expensive by 38%

To lay a festive table "Novruz" in Azerbaijan  this year has become by  38% more expensive.

In  2015, a  dinner on a holiday evening  for an average family  consisting of  4 people cost 60 manats; this year  the  sum increased up to 83 manats. This   makes  15.7% of the subsistence minimum - 526 manat, which is defined  for  an average family. Last year, the cost of living was about 496, and the holiday table comprised 12% of this amount.

In drawing up the baskets  for a holiday table  the  Turan agency  has traditionally chosen about 22 kinds of products: meat, rice, butter, eggs, sweets, spices and so on.

It is difficult to say what  part of population will dear to  tear away  money from the  meager budget to the holiday dinner, as the official statistics on poverty causes mistrust. According to the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan, the poor in the country  comprise only 5%. However, the framework agreement of the Azerbaijani government and the World Bank predicts the increase in the segment of the middle class in the structure of the working population from the current 4% to 30% in 2020. If the middle class  comprises 4% , and the same per cent  comprise  wealthy layer of the population,  then to what part relates the rest of the able-bodied citizens? In addition, after the preparation of the World Bank forecast the social situation of the population has deteriorated further. Trades share their impressions : " Nothing is sold, people buy only the most necessary products in small quantities. The crisis, " said Mamed, a  seller of dried fruits.-0-

Food basket for a family of four person  on  Novruz holiday