Despite hopes that the it will be a time of lower costs for fruits and vegetables, the markets in Baku are seeing soaring prices. Different fruits and vegetables typically priced at a bargain in the rural regions but are sold for significantly more in Baku’s capital. There are reports that indicate some products cost twice or higher in Baku in comparison to local markets.

As an example, while cucumbers can be purchased at EUR0.27 or 0.38 per kilogram in some regions of Baku, the exact same amount is priced at EUR1.08 at Baku. The same trend can be evident with tomatoes and other products of the agricultural sector. The seasonal fruits show an extreme price gap. Cherries, that cost EUR0.54-1.08 per kilo in rural areas, are priced at EUR3.80 in capital.

Expert in agriculture, Akif Nasirli, highlighted the inaccessibility of markets to farmers. “Farmers usually sell their goods directly from their farms and this can lead to differences in prices. Although they may sell it at EUR0.27 per kilogram from the fields, the process of transporting and selling it to Baku results in only EUR0.16-0.22 gain per kilogram” the farmer explained.

Nasirli pointed out that price differences do not apply to all goods equal. “For certain products, the price difference is small. In the last few days in Beylagan the watermelon was sold at EUR0.16-0.22 per kilogram. However, in Baku they were priced at EUR0.22-0.27. This suggests a lower cost gap. The problem is that lower priced produce usually is of lower in quality.” said the expert.

Source: media.az