Prices and situation in consumer market in Azerbaijan ( First quarter 2012 )

In the first quarter of 2012, the Azerbaijani trading networks sold consumer goods to the population at 4.126.4 billion manat, which is 9.3 percent more than January-March 2011. Legal entities and individual entrepreneurs ensured 46.0 percent of trade turnover, fairs and markets - 41.5 percent.

In the retail trade turnover private sector's share hit 99.5 percent. Population acquired consumer goods worth 4.104.4 billion manat from these enterprises in January-March, which is 9.4 percent more than the corresponding period of last year.

During the reporting period, every citizen of the country acquired consumer goods at 150.5 manat in the first quarter of 2012, which is 15.2 percent more than in January-March 2011. This stipulates the purchasing capacity of citizens.

The Azerbaijani retail trade facilities sold to the population food worth 2.467.6 billion manat with an increase of 4.3 percent and the share of 59.8 percent and non-food goods worth 1.658.8 billion with a growth of 18.6 percent and the share of 40.2 percent.

Paid services worth 1.312.7 billion manat were rendered to the population during this period, or 9.4 percent more compared to January-March 2011. Legal entities ensured 71.2 percent of this growth and rendered the services worth 1.016.3 million manat.

In the first quarter of 2012, each citizen acquired paid services worth 47.9 manat, or 4.6 manat more than in the first quarter of 2011. Transportation, public utilities and communication services prevail in the structure of paid services.

Prices

In March 2012, the prices on consumer goods and tariffs for services increased by 0.3 percent compared to the previous month, and increased in price by 3.1 percent in the first quarter of 2012 compared to the first quarter of 2011 (data from the State Statistics Committee).

Food prices increased by 3.9 percent, nonfood goods - by 1.3 percent, and tariffs for services - by 2.5 percent compared to January-March 2011.

In March 2012 food prices increased by 0.7 percent, nonfood goods decreased by 0.1 percent and tariffs for services remained at the same level compared to February 2012.

During the month the prices for beef, mutton, sausages and chicken meat (0.4 percent), fish products (5.2 percent), vegetables (1.9 percent), fruits (1.8 percent), tea, coffee and cocoa (0.3 percent) increased.

The prices for flour, bread, and buckwheat (0.1 percent), dairy products, butter and cheese (0.8 percent) cheapened.

In March 2012, the base index of the consumer prices, excluding goods and services, subjected to seasonal changes (fruits and vegetable) and the prices being regulated by the government increased by 0.1 percent compared to the previous month and increased by 2.4 percent compared to January-March 2011.

In March 2012, the index of industrial production prices increased by 4.7 percent compared to the previous month. The prices increased by 18.9 percent compared to the first quarter of 2011. Prices increased by 5.3 percent in the oil and gas production in March compared to the previous month, and increased by 22.0 percent compared to January-March 2011.

In the processing of chemical products, prices increased by 2.8 percent during the month, but increased by 6.9 percent per annum. In March 2012, the prices in metallurgy decreased by 2.0 percent compared to the previous month, and increased by 15.3 percent during the year. In March prices on electricity, gas and water remained at the same level and decreased by 0.1 percent per annum.

In March 2012, the index of industrial production prices hit 100.2 percent. The prices in the machinery and equipment production increased by 2.3 percent, wood processing and wood product manufacturing, as well as clothing remained at the same level, production of rubber and plastic goods decreased by 6.7 percent.

Prices in the food industry decreased by 1.3 percent, electrical equipment - by 0.2 percent, leather, leather products and footwear - 2.4 percent.

Average market price and indices of basic food commodities in January-March 2012

Source: The Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee