While the economic crisis, which has become Turkey's permanent agenda, is gradually deepening, exorbitant price increases continue to erode the purchasing power of citizens.
After we enter 2024, exorbitant price increases, starting with tax and fee increases, are encountered in the market, bazaar, clothing stores, online sales, school canteens and in almost every field.
So much so that, after the price increases reflected at the pump in recent days, the liter price of diesel reached 45 TL and the liter price of gasoline reached 40 lira.
The price increases in fuel, which have become an excuse for price hikes for opportunists, are the harbinger of new exorbitant price increases.
On the other hand, the promise of government officials to fight against exorbitant prices, who have insisted for years that they will not subject the public to inflation, seems to be left hanging in the air in the current environment.
This being the case, as Milli Gazete, we talked about the citizens' problem of exorbitant prices with the President of the Consumer Confederation, Aydın Ağaoğlu.
"WE FACED REGULAR UNREASONABLE INCREASES"
Making a statement to Milli Gazete regarding the exorbitant price agenda, Consumer Confederation President Aydın Ağaoğlu stated that the price increase in basic food and basic needs products could not be stopped.
"In the past, exorbitant price increases were made using the excuse of increases in fuel prices and exchange rates. Now we are faced with unjustified regular increases. Consumers are extremely uncomfortable and complain about this issue. In fact, the High Price Assessment Board affiliated with the Ministry of Commerce should fulfill its function precisely during these periods. At this point, the consumer should convey his complaints to this authority," Ağaoğlu said.
“WHEN THE MINIMUM WAGE INCREASE WAS CERTAINED, INCREASES WERE MADE AGAIN”
Aydın Ağaoğlu stated that exorbitant prices are encountered even in school canteens.
"As recently as December, when there were rumors of a large increase in the minimum wage, there was an increase in all labels. Subsequently, when the minimum wage increase of around 50 percent became known, increases were made again. Even before the minimum wage came into effect, completely irrelevant increases were made. Later, the announcement that the raise for retirees would be increased to the same level as the raise for civil servants caused us to encounter exorbitant price increases again. Not only that, when we entered January, there were exorbitant price increases again, due to new year increases. On the morning of January 2, the price tags changed again," Ağaoğlu added.
“THE PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS ARE NOT A DETERRENT”
Aydın Ağaoğlu stated that the excuses for exorbitant prices have changed with the new year, and said, "The increase in some taxes and fees, which are within the scope of re-evaluation, has become a new opportunity for price hikers. However, due to the local elections to be held on March 31, the public authority postponed some increases. Despite this, opportunists who confront consumers with exorbitant price increases are hurting low-income and fixed-income segments. In the past weeks, the High Price Evaluation Board imposed some fines, but the increases were not prevented. This shows that the penalties and sanctions imposed are not deterrent."