Fitch Solutions predicts stable inflation and exchange rate for Azerbaijan

Fitch Solutions predicts stable inflation and exchange rate for Azerbaijan
Reuters

Fitch Solutions (FS) forecasts Azerbaijan’s annual inflation to stay below 5% over the next decade.

The country's average inflation over the past ten years was 5.5%. While high food prices and the Russia-Ukraine war continue to exert pressure, inflation is expected to ease gradually.  

FS projects inflation at 4% in 2025, rising to 4.7% by 2027, then slowing to 2.7% in 2029 and 0.1% by 2034. The exchange rate is expected to remain stable, supported by steady oil and gas revenues.  

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) targets inflation at 4±2% and relies on exchange rate control for price stability. Unlike the sharp devaluation in 2015, CBA is now in a stronger position, though high dollarization (48.4% of deposits in foreign currency) limits monetary policy effectiveness.

A four-year plan aims for inflation targeting by 2026, potentially increasing exchange rate flexibility.

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