Azeri poultry firms face criminal charges over egg price rises

The companies, Gilazi Qusculuq Sirkati MMC, Haciqabul Qusculuq Sirkati MMC and Astel LTD, are accused of "artificial” prices increases after last month’s devaluation of manat.

President Ilham Aliyev told the law-enforcement agencies on Jan. 11 to initiate criminal proceedings against those hiking consumer prices after the devaluation. Aliyev said the change in manat’s rate should have no impact on domestic food prices.

Manat lost more than 50 percent against the US dollar in two devaluations last year.