Independent economists considers that a resolution by the Tariff Council of Azerbaijan on increase of prices of energy resources, tariffs of communal services (excluding gas for community consumers) as shock and forecast rise in prices of not only services, but also all goods.
Growth pace of inflation ratio at 8-9%, forecasted by the National Bank of Azerbaijan in 2007, cannot not stand such increase. However, now it is difficult to predict if it occurs, but the special weight of services will increase amid increase of consumer prices, Ingilab Ahmadov, the Head of the Pubic Finance Monitoring Center, said in talks with Trend.
Rise in fairs at city public transport in summer 2006 had inconsiderable impact on the growth pace of inflation, because the service prices were maintained at the lower level. This time along with next rise in the fairs at the public transport, the tariffs of communal services and oil products were also increased.
It will obviously affect on the transportation on any product. However, echo will come in February-March, because goods with new expenses will be sold at high prices. In this respect in 2007 the country will more probably see two-digit inflation. Now it is difficult on what level, because Azerbaijan does not have previous experience with such price shock. Respectively, the inflation ratio forecasted by the State Statistics Committee will also turn out higher, Mr. Ahmadov said.