Azerbaijan, Baku/ Trend , corr U. Ismayilova/ Eyyub Husseynov, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan Free Consumers Union, has stated that a rise in prices on agricultural production and food in Azerbaijan on the eve of the "Novruz" National Holiday ("Summer Coming Holiday") has reached at least 30%.
According to him, the rise in prices of onions, potatoes and various nuts has been been observed in Azerbaijan markets and bazaars. "The prices are on the increase in Azerbaijani markets and bazaars and no reduction has been observed as yet," he added.
According to observations and calculations made by the Azerbaijan Free Consumers Union, the maximum rise in prices in 2007 will be observed just in the agrarian sector, to reach at least 20%. "Only Azerbaijan changing its consumer policy, as well as joining the WTO, could stabilize prices in Azerbaijan," he said.
According to Mr. Husseynov, the decision made by the Azerbaijan Tariff Council to increase prices on energy carriers and tariffs on public utilities starting from 8 January, 2007 has affected the agricultural market, where prices are periodically rising.