Ali Mahir Başarır calls out Mehmet Şimşek: 'Account for this'

Yeni Party Group Deputy Chairman Ali Mahir Başarır reacted to the rise in fuel prices during a press conference he held at the TBMM. Stating that the price of diesel has exceeded 100 liras following a hike of 4 liras and 68 kuruş, Başarır criticized the economic management.

Başarır said, "There is intense activity at gas stations today. Because for the first time in the history of the Republic, diesel has exceeded 100 liras." Targeting Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Şimşek's assessments regarding prices in Europe, Başarır stated that comparisons should be made based on income levels.

Comparing the current situation with prices in 2009, Başarır argued that while 41 liters of diesel could be purchased with 100 liras back then, today one cannot even buy 2 liters of diesel with 200 liras. Başarır used the expression, "Mr. Şimşek, what are you talking about? First, account for this."

During his speech, Başarır held up a gasoline canister and stated that the increase in fuel prices affects a wide segment of society, from production to transportation. Başarır noted that they had previously warned that the price of diesel could exceed 100 liras, but that the necessary measures were not taken.

REACTION TO ŞİMŞEK'S INFLATION STATEMENTS

Başarır also criticized Şimşek's emphasis on a war against inflation. Stating that Turkey is not at war but is affected by regional developments, Başarır argued that despite this, the high course of inflation cannot be explained solely by this reason.

Stating that students' daily expenses have also increased with the opening of schools, Başarır expressed that 90 liras were paid for a toast and ayran last year, while the base price has risen to 130 liras this year. Başarır noted that this increase creates a serious burden on students' basic expenses.

Responding to questions from members of the press, Başarır drew attention to kitchen gas cylinder prices. Stating that the retail price of a kitchen gas cylinder has reached 1570 liras, and that 279 liras of this is tax, Başarır said that the increase since January is 33.6 percent.

Başarır stated that citizens in rural areas where natural gas is not widespread are dependent on kitchen gas cylinders, and argued that Turkey needs a permanent and domestic energy policy. He concluded his words by saying, "We are finding oil in Gabar, we are finding natural gas in the Black Sea; diesel is 102 liras, a kitchen gas cylinder is 1570 liras."