Price hike storm in supermarkets: 51 TL difference on the same product

Despite no changes in fuel prices, exchange rates, or the minimum wage, supermarkets have raised prices on basic goods such as sunflower oil, dairy products, tea, and sugar. While the price differences have drawn attention, it was stated that the increase in production costs is being reflected in the price hikes.

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Price hike storm in supermarkets: 51 TL difference on the same product

Supermarkets have implemented new price hikes. Sunflower and olive oil, milk and dairy products, tea and sugar, toilet paper and napkins, as well as household and personal cleaning supplies were among the product groups that saw price tag changes.

According to a report by the Türkiye newspaper, it was noted that supermarkets have begun a wave of price hikes despite the fact that there have been no changes in fuel prices, exchange rates, or the minimum wage for a long time.

It was observed that sunflower and olive oil, cheese, milk and dairy products, tea and sugar, toilet paper and napkins, and household cleaning products were the product groups with the most frequent price tag changes.

Supermarket employees also confirmed that price tags have started to be changed. On the other hand, price differences between supermarkets have also begun to increase. It was observed that there was a 51 lira difference in the price of the same product in two separate supermarkets in the same region, or even on the same street.

'OUR EXPENSES ARE INCREASING'

A regional manager of a chain store offered the following defense regarding the price hikes:

"The increase in production and input costs, as well as storage and energy expenses, are being reflected on the shelves as price hikes. This is very natural... Logistics costs are also a significant reason for the hikes. There are no serious changes compared to last year. However, prices are increasing in certain groups. This should not be seen merely as supermarket profit. Products coming from wholesalers and producers are also getting more expensive. These hikes are not opportunism, but necessary steps for businesses to survive. Furthermore, rent for workplaces has also seen increases exceeding 60 percent. All of these are reflected in product prices as expenses.”

MINISTRY OF TRADE ISSUED FINES

The Ministry of Trade had announced that as of September 15, it had issued a total of 327 million 376 thousand 495 TL in administrative fines to 1,274 individuals and legal entities as part of exorbitant price inspections and sector-based audits.

The Ministry also stated that inspections are continuing and that necessary interventions are being made against those engaging in market opportunism. It further stated that companies engaging in hoarding and opportunism would face closure penalties if caught three times within a year.