Statement from the Ministry of Trade following minimum wage announcement: 'It will not be permitted'

The Ministry of Trade has issued a statement regarding the impact of the minimum wage set for 2026 on prices. The statement noted that the minimum wage increase will not be allowed to turn into "unfair and disproportionate" price hikes.

The Ministry stated that the minimum wage is only one of the cost factors and that reflecting the increase rate directly onto all goods and services prices does not align with economic realities. Therefore, it expressed that all necessary administrative and legal measures will be resolutely applied against businesses that turn to exorbitant pricing practices under the pretext of wage increases.

It was stated that inspections will be actively continued across the country under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade by teams from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Provincial Directorates of Trade, and Provincial Directorates of Agriculture. Furthermore, it was announced that teams from the General Directorate of Internal Trade and the General Directorate of Consumer Protection and Market Surveillance will conduct intensive and continuous inspections.

It was emphasized that it is of great importance for citizens to immediately report to the Ministry of Trade and official notification channels if they encounter unfair price increases and practices involving opportunism. It was stated that every report made will be meticulously evaluated and processed quickly.

It was highlighted that when deemed necessary, administrative fines will be applied without exception, and sanctions regarding unfair pricing practices that victimize consumers will be implemented in the strictest manner based on updated penalty amounts. It was stated that no tolerance will be shown for practices that disrupt price stability, damage fair competition, and target the purchasing power of citizens.

News Source: 12punto