Expectations of price hikes for alcohol and cigarettes: Date also provided

Aybaş stated that they anticipate an increase of between 20-28 percent for alcoholic beverages and around 5-6 liras for cigarettes.

POSSIBILITY OF A HIKE UP TO 28 PERCENT 

Speaking to Elips Haber, Aybaş said the following regarding the expected hike in alcoholic beverages:

“A price hike on alcohol is expected. In addition to the SCT (Special Consumption Tax) hike, cost increases will also be reflected in prices.

Either the hike will be implemented after the minimum wage increase is announced, or an automatic increase will occur as it does every New Year.

I expect a 20-28 percent hike on alcoholic beverages along with the SCT increase.”

CIGARETTE HIKE COULD REACH THE 5-6 LIRA LEVEL

Evaluating cigarette prices, Aybaş said, “We are also expecting an SCT-related hike for cigarettes. Under normal conditions, a 10-lira hike should be applied to cigarettes, but this rate is usually suppressed. Therefore, I estimate the hike amount will be around 5-6 liras.”

WARNING REGARDING THE DANGER OF COUNTERFEIT ALCOHOL 

Touching upon the recent cases of counterfeit alcohol, Aybaş warned consumers to shop at reliable places. “Our citizens should buy products with tax stamps from known and licensed sales points. However, some people are making their own drinks by buying ethyl alcohol from unlicensed, underground sources.

This situation carries serious risks, as there are citizens who lose their lives due to methyl alcohol mixtures,” he stated.

While it is expected that SCT and cost increases will be reflected to the consumer before the new year, it is also emphasized that one should be careful against cases caused by counterfeit alcohol.