Azerbaijan.US
Speaking on Musavat TV, AG Parti leader Tural Abbasli raised concerns over price formation in Azerbaijan, pointing to sharp gaps between import costs and retail prices.
Abbasli said that edible oil enters the country at customs for around 8-9 manats, but is later sold in local markets for 25-27 manats, implying markups exceeding 200 percent. He argued that such differences cannot be explained solely by global price pressures.
He cited a similar pattern in the meat market, noting that imported meat may cost about 13 manats per kilogram after logistics, while retail prices reach 22-23 manats.
According to Abbasli, even relatively small tariff increases can trigger a chain reaction. For example, a rise in utility charges from 40 to 50 gapiks represents a 25 percent increase, which then feeds into rents, services, and consumer prices.
He also warned that speculative expectations have spread into the real estate market, where some advertisements promise price growth of up to 60 percent within nine months, further fueling inflationary behavior.
Abbasli argued that the core issue is not inflation alone, but weak oversight, limited competition, and the absence of effective market controls, leaving consumers exposed to repeated price shocks.
