Opportunists at work: Earthquake bag and tent prices have skyrocketed!
Following the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in the Silivri district of Istanbul, citizens have turned their attention to earthquake bags and tents. While there has been a noticeable increase in the sales of these products on e-commerce platforms, it has been noted that some sellers have implemented price hikes that are being interpreted as "opportunism."
12punto
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Istanbul's Silivri district once again laid bare the reality of earthquakes in the megacity.
Citizens who experienced panic with the tremor rushed outside. While some people who wanted to spend the night in parks and open areas set up tents, others spent the morning in their vehicles.
DEMAND INCREASED, AND SO DID PRICES
Following the earthquake, interest in basic necessities such as earthquake bags and tents on e-commerce sites increased instantly. However, along with this increase, the pricing policies of some sellers also changed.
For example, the price of an emergency bag that was on sale for 373 liras yesterday rose to 465 liras after the earthquake. Similarly, it was observed that a first aid kit sold for 219 liras is finding buyers at 389.50 liras as of today.
TENT PRICES ALSO ROSE
The change in tent prices has also reached remarkable levels. A tent stated to have two rooms and a capacity for 10 people was sold for 8 thousand 711 liras before the earthquake, while today the price of the same product has risen to 9 thousand 480 liras.
ACTIVITY IN THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR
The effects of the earthquake were not limited to basic necessities. The tremor in Istanbul also caused stirrings in the real estate market.
Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan stated in his remarks on the subject, "No attitude or behavior that aims to take advantage of our citizens' difficult situation, which can be described as opportunism, will be tolerated under any circumstances."
Gürcan also stated that they are following the process closely, saying, "Necessary administrative sanctions will be applied decisively and without delay against all real and legal persons found to have made unfair price increases."