Setting an iftar table in Istanbul is 45 percent more expensive this year!

The Istanbul Planning Agency (IPA) has published the results of its Ramadan Month Basic Kitchen Expenditure report.

According to the calculations made by the IPA as the month of Ramadan approaches, setting an iftar table has become 45 percent more expensive compared to last year. IPA President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buğra Gökce stated that food inflation in Turkey is equal to the total of 10 countries in Europe.

In Istanbul, kitchen expenditures for basic product groups amounted to 7 thousand 249 TL during Ramadan 2024, while this cost has risen to 10.565 TL for the upcoming 2025 Ramadan month. The annual increase reached 45.75 percent.

While a 51.61 percent increase was recorded in lentils and a 55.10 percent increase in red meat, the increase in sunflower oil was measured at 62.28 percent. The highest cost difference occurred in coffee at 121.79 percent, while the lowest difference was recorded in tomato paste at 9.75 percent.

IPA President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Buğra Gökce said the following in a post regarding the subject:

“Setting a Ramadan table this year is 45 percent more expensive than last year.

High food inflation has also hit Ramadan tables. Even in Russia and Ukraine, which are at war, food inflation is below 10 percent. Food inflation in Turkey is equal to the total food inflation of 10 countries in Europe.

During the same period, the minimum wage increased by 30 percent. Since the increase in wages could not keep up with food inflation, Ramadan tables will shrink this year, and unfortunately, our people will experience the month of Ramadan with a heavy heart.”