The initial post-Soviet years were marred by economic difficulties, which had their roots early in the Karabakh conflict when the Azerbaijani Popular Front managed to pressure the Azerbaijan SSR to instigate a railway and air blockade against Armenia.
Majanduslike probleemide juured olid Karabahhi konflikti algusajas, mil Aserbaidžaani rahvarinne survestas Aserbaidžaani NSV-d kehtestama Armeenia vastu raudtee- ja lennublokaadi.