Azerbaijan.US
Taxi fares in Baku are expected to rise again in the coming months as higher fuel prices continue to put pressure on transport costs, experts say.
Recent increases in gasoline and diesel prices – by 5 to 10 gapiks per liter – have already begun to affect taxi services. Passengers report that fares on short routes have increased by up to 3-4 manats, while longer trips and peak-hour rides have become significantly more expensive.
Residents say that journeys which previously cost 6-7 manats can now reach 15 manats, and in some cases up to 20 manats, particularly during evening hours and periods of heavy traffic.
Some drivers insist that official tariffs have not changed, noting that prices formally remain the same. However, both passengers and analysts say that real-world fares increasingly reflect higher operating costs rather than regulated rates.
Transport expert Adil Nabiyev says rising fuel prices are exerting indirect but unavoidable pressure on taxi services, especially for independent drivers who must cover higher daily expenses.
“If fuel costs remain at current levels, a further 10-15 percent increase in taxi fares in the coming months is highly likely,” Nabiyev said.
Taxi companies, meanwhile, say fuel price hikes have not yet led to direct tariff changes, but acknowledge that discussions are ongoing about adjusting fares based on distance and service conditions.
Analysts note that fuel price increases tend to ripple through the broader urban economy, making higher transport costs difficult to avoid.
