Pre-holiday shopping: "15-20 percent increase in daily necessities...”

As the New year approaches, Azerbaijani households are engaged in the usual preparations - from setting festive tables to preparing a hearty meal. However, in recent years there has been a steady increase in prices on the eve of the holidays, and this trend will continue in the run-up to 2024.

According to the data of the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan, inflation for the period from January to November 2023 reached 9.4 percent. It is noteworthy that the price increase is more noticeable in the main categories: food, beverages and tobacco increased by 10.4 percent.

There is palpable concern in the busy markets of the capital, Baku, as some sellers report a small number of buyers. Anonymous sellers on the Green Market express their dissatisfaction, referring to the inflated cost of suppliers' products. For example, tangerines are sold at a price of 3 manats per kilogram, and Kyzyl Akhmer is sold at 4 manats, although sellers claim that they purchased these fruits at a higher price. Shoppers, on the other hand, seem to limit their purchases, and according to reports, individuals often refrain from buying more than 1-2 kilograms.

The price dynamics applies to various goods: tomatoes cost 5 manats, cucumbers – from 6 to 8 manats, and potatoes - from 1.1 to 1.5 manats per kilogram. Meat prices are also affected: mutton ranges from 16-18 manats, and beef ranges from 14-17 manats.

Consumer dissatisfaction is growing, as many argue that although the quality of available products remains high, prices do not match their income levels. Mazakhir Efendiyev, a member of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship of the Milli Majlis, in an interview with Turan, recognizes price spikes, explaining their usual pre-holiday escalation along with global economic disruptions affecting supply chains.

Economist Natig Jafarli, in an interview with Radio Azadlig, offers a critical point of view, noting discrepancies in government inflation figures. While official data suggest a drop in inflation below 10 percent, Jafarli argues that a more accurate reflection of people's daily lives, covering about 30 basic necessities, would reveal a completely different reality, potentially pointing to a 30-50 percent increase in prices for certain goods.

Against the background of global economic challenges, Jafarli emphasizes the impact of world prices on Azerbaijan, despite customs privileges. As the country navigates these economic flows, the constant rise in prices at the end of the year remains a challenge, underscoring the need for effective economic policies to mitigate the effects on citizens.