Azernews.Az

By Nigar Orujova

The government of Azerbaijan continues measures to control prices that were increased following the depreciation of the national currency in December-end. For this end, 12 monitoring groups have been created to control prices of products entering the minimum consumer basket.

The groups were created by the Labor and Social Protection Ministry, Minister Salim Muslimov told the state television AzTV.

Four groups are operating in Baku, while the rest monitors the price changes in the regions of the country. The monitoring groups are investigating prices twice a week – on Tuesday and Friday – and sending this information to the Ministry.

He went on to add that the Economy Ministry also controls the level of price increase.

Artificial overpricing is one of the actual problems in Azerbaijan that has recently faced economic challenges due to low crude prices. Increase in prices was expected as Azerbaijan could not fully provide itself with food products.

However, the depreciation also affected goods produced in Azerbaijan, and the state actively fights against artificial overpricing.

The minister further noted that in European countries, particularly in Northern Europe, there is a maximum price limit for products included in the minimum consumer basket, and these prices are monitored. This is necessary from the point of view of antitrust policy, and avoid cartel agreement, said Muslimov.

“If you release [the price] without control, monopolies and cartel agreements may arise, which will lead to higher prices.

“Controls over the prices of goods from the consumer basket, presidential decree on the VAT exemption for import, production and sale of grain, flour and bread, as well as the activities of the Economy Ministry are aimed at preventing an artificial increase in prices,” the minister said noting that these measures are designed to support the population by increasing their income.

The General Directorate for Combating Corruption is also carrying out necessary measures investigate cases of artificial overpricing.

Unemployment benefits to be increased

Unemployment benefits will be increased by 30-40 percent in Azerbaijan, Muslimov said.

“President Ilham Aliyev gave the relevant instructions and it is likely that the Cabinet of Ministers will make the necessary changes in the near future,” he said.

The minister also raised the issue of retraining unemployed people. “There are professional training centers in Baku, Ismayilli and Goychay cities, another one will be opened in the city of Ganja soon,” he said. “Citizens visiting these centers receive monthly benefits and funds for transportation costs. Previously they amounted to 22 manats, but I think that now in total they will exceed 100 manats.”

Muslimov said that currently the main task is to provide citizens with at least a temporary place of work. “New projects, which will help create new jobs are needed so that citizens would be able to receive salaries in the same amount,” said the minister.

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Nigar Orujova is AzerNews’ staff journalist. Follow her on Twitter: @o_nigar

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