Concerns over a possible rise in bread prices are resurfacing in Azerbaijan after wholesale flour prices recorded their first notable increase in over a year.
According to data released by the State Agency for Antimonopoly Control and Consumer Market Supervision, the wholesale price of a 50-kilogram sack of flour now ranges between 26.10 and 28.60 manats, based on monitoring of 28 suppliers operating in Baku, Absheron, Sumgayit, Ganja, Shabran, Khachmaz and other regions.
The lowest price was registered at Devechi-Takhil LLC in Shabran, while the highest was recorded at Azeri-Arapoğlu U.S. & T. LTD in Ganja.
Notably, wholesale flour prices have increased by 45-50 qapiks, marking the first annual rise after a prolonged period of stability.
The development has reignited public concern over bread prices – a key issue for households, particularly amid inflationary pressure on basic goods.
Commenting on the situation, Akif Nasirli, head of the Center for Liberal Economists, said the increase in flour prices does raise the risk of bread becoming more expensive, though not necessarily immediately.
“Flour is the main input in bread production. When its wholesale price goes up, production costs rise accordingly. Over time, this creates pressure on bread prices,” Nasirli said.
However, he stressed that flour is only one component of the final cost. Electricity, gas, wages, transportation, rent and retail margins also play a significant role. As a result, bakeries and retailers may delay price adjustments, taking into account market competition and consumer purchasing power.
Past experience shows that bread prices do not always rise immediately after flour becomes more expensive. Price increases tend to occur only when higher costs persist over a longer period.
For now, the recent rise in flour prices does not automatically translate into higher bread prices. Still, experts caution that the trend signals a growing risk, especially if cost pressures continue.
