Rising food prices remained one of the most sensitive economic issues for consumers in Azerbaijan throughout 2025, with meat leading the list of the most expensive staples.
However, the increase has not been limited to meat alone: cooking oil, poultry products, and basic vegetables such as potatoes and onions have also become more expensive.
Experts attribute the price growth primarily to rising production and logistics costs. Higher fuel prices, increased transportation expenses, rising electricity and gas tariffs, and storage costs have all contributed to higher retail prices. The increase in the minimum wage earlier this year, while socially positive, has also pushed up business expenses, economists say.
Shoppers report that household spending on food has risen noticeably. “Everything is more expensive – meat, eggs, fish. We spend much more on groceries than before,” residents say.
Official statistics support these observations. According to the State Statistics Committee, food prices rose by 0.4% in November compared to October, while the increase between September and October reached 0.8%. Price growth was also recorded in beverages and tobacco products.
Among specific items, butter prices increased from 23.17 manats in October to 23.26 manats in November. The price of 10 eggs rose from 1.82 to 1.90 manats, while potatoes increased from 1.04 to 1.07 manats per kilogram. Beef prices showed the sharpest rise: over the past three months, the price of boneless beef climbed from around 19.99 manats to 22.99 manats per kilogram.
Economists note that imported goods are particularly vulnerable to global price fluctuations and transportation costs. With the New Year holidays approaching, further price increases are expected, prompting calls for tighter monitoring to prevent artificial markups.
At the same time, some products have seen modest price declines due to seasonal factors. Pasta prices fell slightly from 2.72 to 2.70 manats, lemons dropped from 4.34 to 3.98 manats per kilogram, and mandarins decreased from 2.12 to 1.80 manats.
Despite these exceptions, forecasts for early 2026 remain cautious. Analysts warn that price pressures may persist during the winter months, when fruits and vegetables rely more heavily on storage and imports. Structural issues in the meat market are also expected to remain unresolved in the short term.
While overall inflation in Azerbaijan remains below 6%, food prices have risen by more than 8%, placing a heavier burden on low-income households. Food and beverages account for approximately 55% of the country’s retail turnover – a share that is even higher for vulnerable families.
Economists argue that meaningful price stabilization will require stronger oversight, action against artificial price hikes, and expanded domestic production. Until then, consumers are likely to face continued pressure on household budgets.
