In Azerbaijan, potato prices have risen significantly over the past 20 days, fluctuating between 1.20 and 2 AZN per kilogram. This marks an increase of 25-50% compared to previous months.
According to Xəzər TV, market vendors attribute the price hike to a decline in local potato supply and a reduction in imports. Currently, most of the potatoes available in the market are domestically produced.
The State Agency for Antimonopoly Control and Consumer Market Supervision stated that potato prices are set by market participants based on supply and demand dynamics.
Economists highlight two main factors driving the price increase:
- Lower import volumes lead to reduced supply.
- A 25% rise in diesel fuel prices, has raised transportation and production costs.
Additionally, the cost of imported potatoes has risen, influenced by inflation and price increases in neighboring countries.
Decline in potato exports
In January 2025, Azerbaijan exported 113 tons of potatoes worth $34,000. According to the State Customs Committee, this represents a 2.5-fold decrease compared to January 2024, when 285 tons were exported for $88,000.
Despite these challenges, Azerbaijan produced around 1 million tons of potatoes in 2024, ensuring domestic availability, though prices remain high due to external and internal economic factors.
Source: oxu.az / www.trend.az