A drop in demand would normally push meat prices down. But Azerbaijan’s market is moving in the opposite direction.
Despite reduced consumption caused by the spread of foot-and-mouth disease, the prices of beef and lamb have climbed sharply, creating a paradox that has frustrated consumers nationwide.
In Baku, beef now sells for around 18 manats per kilogram, while lamb ranges from 22 to 23 manats, depending on cut and quality. Regional markets show the same rising trend. What stands out most, however, is the absence of any unified pricing system: nearly every butcher shop is setting its own prices.
Market representatives say this instability stems from the collapse of a long-standing procurement structure. With livestock markets closed due to disease-control measures, butchers have been forced to abandon centralized purchasing and instead track down animals individually from farmers – a shift that has triggered uncontrolled pricing.
Traders also acknowledge that some entrepreneurs have offered to supply imported meat. But strong consumer preference for local livestock has kept foreign products largely out of retail shelves, at least for now.
Transport costs have added further pressure. Before the restrictions, moving one head of cattle cost about 15 manats; today the price has doubled to 30. Transporting small livestock has become even more expensive, rising from 2 to 10 manats per animal.
Farmers argue that the restrictions have lasted far longer than is typical. Foot-and-mouth disease, they say, is usually short-lived and rarely requires such prolonged market closures. Unable to sell animals on time, they are forced to absorb the rising cost of feed and care – all of which gets passed on to buyers.
Economist Rashad Hasanov says the current spike cannot be explained by the outbreak alone. The real problem, he argues, is the accumulation of long-term structural issues: inflation in recent years, higher feed and labor costs, and a steady decline in Azerbaijan’s cattle and sheep population.
“Local consumers remain wary of imported meat,” Hasanov noted. “And because livestock cannot be brought to market due to the disease restrictions, the supply squeeze has driven prices up sharply in recent days.”
Meanwhile, the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency says reconstruction work continues at 14 livestock markets across the country. Once renovations are completed, officials will review the possibility of reopening them.
