Prices for lamb in Azerbaijan have jumped sharply over the past ten days, driven by supply shortages and restrictions linked to the ongoing outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease.
Market sources told Milli.Az that lamb, which previously sold for 22–23 AZN per kilogram, is now offered at 32 AZN, marking one of the steepest price increases in recent years. Beef prices have also risen by 2–3 AZN, though less dramatically.
According to sellers, the spike is primarily seasonal: the supply of lamb entering the market has fallen significantly, tightening availability and pushing prices upward.
Expert: Two Factors Behind the Price Shock
Akif Nasirli, head of the Liberal Economists Center, told Bizim.Media that the surge has two root causes.
“First, the number of livestock in the country is decreasing year after year. When supply falls below demand, prices rise. In autumn and winter, demand for meat grows even further, so pressure on prices increases,” he said.
But the economist stressed that the main driver of the current spike is administrative restrictions introduced during the foot-and-mouth outbreak.
“Livestock markets in affected regions have been closed, and animal transportation has been banned. Yet restaurants and banquet halls in Baku and other cities continue to operate – no one is complaining about meat shortages,” he said.
This, Nasirli argued, shows that animals are still being transported – just not through official channels.
“Transporting livestock illegally becomes far more expensive, and these costs are passed directly to consumers. Prices will continue to rise at least until the restrictions are lifted.”
