While Turkey meets 78 percent of its wheat import from Russia and Ukraine, it was stated that the war between the two countries may also be reflected in bread prices.
Balcı's comments are as follows:
"Currently, 200 grams of bread is sold at a maximum of 3 Turkish Liras (TL) throughout Turkey. We do not foresee a change in bread prices thanks to the flour offered by Turkish Grain Board (TMO) to bread producers.
Until the harvest period, there is no problem in terms of bread wheat in the market. The Russian-Ukrainian war continues, but bread prices will continue as long as there is no extraordinary situation.
Rainfall in the first months of the year created the prediction that the harvest will be good this year. After about 60 days, when the harvest time comes, the wheat will be more abundant and this will be reflected in the prices."
Wheat production in Turkey, which was recorded as 22,6 million tons in 2016, decreased to 19 million tons last year.
In the same period, wheat import increased from 4,1 million tons to 10,8 million tons.
Although the government argue that the majority of wheat imports are made for pasta export, there are experts who do not agree with this view.
Wheat prices, on the other hand, continue to hover at record levels after Russia's attack on Ukraine.