Azerbaijan.US
As the holiday season approaches, food prices have once again become a key concern for households in Azerbaijan. This year, however, preparing a traditional festive table has become significantly more expensive compared to previous years.
According to shoppers, a holiday table that cost 150-200 manats last year now often requires 250-300 manats, especially for large families. Even for smaller households, basic holiday expenses start at around 100 manats.
“For the same 100 manats, you can buy much less than before. The quantity and variety are no longer the same,” buyers say.
The biggest expenses continue to be meat and confectionery products. Vendors report that prices for many food items have risen by an average of 15 percent compared to last year.
Current market prices include:
chicken fillet – around 7 manats per kilogram;
whole chicken – 4-5 manats;
beef – 18-20 manats;
fish – between 6 and 10 manats;
vegetable oil – 6-7 manats per liter;
butter – 18-25 manats;
mayonnaise – starting from 2 manats.
Traditional ingredients for pilaf have also seen sharp increases. Raisins, which sold for 9.5 manats last month, are now priced at 11 manats, while dried apricots have jumped from 8 to 20 manats per kilogram.
Fruit and vegetable prices have also climbed:
cucumbers – 2-4 manats per kg;
tomatoes – 3-5 manats;
potatoes – from 0.90 to 2 manats;
mandarins and oranges – 1-2 manats;
kiwi – 2-3 manats;
pineapple – 4-5 manats per piece.
Beverage prices have not been spared either. Carbonated drinks and fruit juices that previously sold for 2 manats now cost 2.20-2.30 manats, while juices once priced at 0.50 manats have increased to 0.60-0.70 manats.
Residents of regions such as Ismayilli and Tovuz say their purchasing power has declined noticeably.
“What used to cost 100-150 manats now easily reaches 200 or more,” local residents note.
Sellers confirm the price increases, citing higher transportation and logistics costs as key factors. Some retailers say they are trying to ease the burden through temporary discounts on canned goods, mayonnaise, and selected grocery items.
Overall, setting a modest holiday table now costs an average of 150-200 manats, while larger family gatherings require significantly higher spending. Vendors do not rule out further price increases in the coming year.
