Over 100 percent increase in carboy water prices in Istanbul

In Istanbul, the price of 19-liter carboy water has seen an increase of over 100 percent within the last year. Prices, which were between 30 and 40 lira in January of last year, are currently being sold in the 75-100 lira range. The price of a single glass of water has now exceeded 1 lira on average.

Increases in fuel, rent, energy, and employee wages have also been reflected in water prices. Water vendors state that the rise in costs has accelerated the transition of consumers to water purification systems. Vendors, who complain about the rising costs, note that the high prices have a negative impact on sales.

Water distribution company official Ünsal Akpolat stated that they sell 19 liters of water for between 75 TL and 85 TL. Akpolat expressed that increases in fuel prices, employee wages, rent, and transportation costs are reflected in water prices. He also mentioned that some consumers are reacting to the price hikes by installing water purification devices, and that this situation is negatively affecting sales.

Another vendor named Sinan Öcal stated that price increases have continued since the pandemic and that the increase has exceeded 100 percent within a year. Öcal expressed that the increase of over 100 percent in rent, as well as the rise in minimum wage and fuel prices, are reflected in water prices.

Nedret Yener, a citizen who complains about the constant changes in prices, stated that water prices are always changing. Yener expressed that despite trying purification, they did not like the taste of the water and that they do not know if the water sold is natural spring water. Stating that they use rested water for cooking and tea, Yener voiced doubts about whether the water sold is actually natural spring water.