Baku, September 21, 2025
Shoppers in Azerbaijan’s capital are reeling from a sudden spike in vegetable prices. Within just a month, the cost of tomatoes and cucumbers has jumped from around 1 manat per kilo to between 3 and 5 manats, according to market monitoring.
Vendors at Baku’s bazaars say the price surge reflects supply pressure and seasonal change.
“We now sell cucumbers at different prices – 4 manats, 3.50, 2.50,” one trader explained. “Tomatoes mainly come from Goychay, and most are greenhouse-grown.”
Another seller said Shamkir-grown tomatoes are fetching 4.5 manats per kilo, while wholesale cucumbers cost 3.5 manats.
The trend is not limited to the capital. Farmers in regional markets report the same squeeze. They cite colder weather, which cut open-field yields, and higher heating costs for greenhouses. Export demand – particularly to Russia – has also tightened domestic supply.
Relief may be on the way. Imports of cucumbers from Iran are expected soon, which could help ease prices somewhat, traders predict.
