Prices and situation in consumer market in Azerbaijan (jan.-sept. 2012)

The Azerbaijani consumer market is developing rapidly (9-10 percent of the annual growth). The retail trade facilities, catering trade points form the basis of this growth. They are developing in the country both qualitatively and quantitatively.

According to the State Statistics Committee, in Jan.-Sept. 2012, the Azerbaijani trading networks sold consumer goods to the population at 12.443.3 billion manat, which is 9.0 percent more than in Jan.-Sept. 2011. Legal entities and individual enterpreneurs ensured 53.8 percent of trade turnover, fairs and markets - 46.2 percent.

The share of private sector in the retail trade turnover amounted to 99.6 percent. The population bought consumer goods worth 12.389.7 billion manat from the enterprises in January-September, or 9.1 percent more than in the same month of last year.

During the reported period, every citizen of the country acquired consumer goods at 150.3 manat that is 12.5 percent more than in Jan.-Sept. 2011. The Azerbaijani retail trade facilities sold food worth 6.971.4 billion manat with an increase of 1.5 percent and non-food goods worth 5.471.9 billion manat with a growth of 20.6 percent.

Paid services worth 4.020.8 billion manat were rendered to the population during the period, or 7.7 percent more compared to January-September 2011. Legal entities ensured 70.4 percent of this growth and rendered the services worth 3.1 billion manat.

In January-September 2012, each citizen acquired paid services worth 48.6 manat, or 3.5 manat more than in January-September 2011. Transportation, public utilities and communication services prevail in the structure of paid services.

Prices

Although the global food prices increased by 8 percent in January-September 2012, the growth of local food production has had a positive impact on price stability.

In Sept. 2012, the prices on consumer goods and tariffs for services increased by 0.6 percent compared to the previous month, and increased by 1.5 percent compared to Jan.-Sept. 2011 (data from the State Statistics Committee)

Food prices increased by 1.4 percent, nonfood goods - by 1.2 percent, and tariffs for services - by 1.4 percent compared to Jan.-Sept. 2011.

Food prices increased by 1.1 percent in Sept. 2012 compared to Aug. 2012, nonfood goods remained at the same level. The prices on tariffs for services increased by 0.2 percent.

In September, the base index of consumer prices, calculated except for the goods and services subject to seasonal changes (fruits and vegetables) and the prices of which are regulated by the state, increased by 0.3 percent compared to the previous month and by 1.9 percent in January-September per annum.

During the month, there was a decline in prices on oils and fats (0.3 percent), fruits (2 percent), sugar, jam, honey, chocolate and sweets (0.2 percent).

Price increase was observed in vegetables (7.2 percent), fish products (2.8 percent), grain products (0.4 percent), meat (0.4 percent), coffee, tea and cocoa (0.2 percent).

In Sept. 2012, the index of industrial production prices remained at the same level compared to the previous month. The prices increased by 6.1 percent compared to Jan.-Sept. 2011. Prices decreased by 0.5 percent in the oil and gas production compared to the previous month, but increased by 6.8 percent compared to Jan.-Sept. 2011.

In the processing of chemical products, prices increased by 1.0 percent during the month, but by 2.1 percent per annum. In Sept. 2012, the prices in metallurgy remained at the same level compared to the previous month, and increased by 5.9 percent during the year. In Sept., prices on electricity, gas and water increased by 0.3 percent compared to the previous month and remained at the same level per annum.

In Sept. the index of producer prices in manufacturing industry increased by 2.3 percent. The prices in wood processing and wood product manufacturing increased by 0.3 percent, clothing - decreased by 0.1 percent, production of rubber and plastic goods increased by 0.3 percent.

Prices in the food industry increased by 3.2 percent, electrical equipment by 2.1 percent, leather, leather products and footwear decreased by 3.5 percent.

Average market price and indices of basic food commodities in Jan.-Sept. 2012

Source: Azerbaijani State Statistics Committee