25.04.2025 00:42
After the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Silivri, Istanbul, the demand for tents increased, prompting opportunists to spring into action once again. The price of tents, which was 5,415 lira before the earthquake, rose to 33,915 lira in just one day on e-commerce sites.
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After the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Silivri, Istanbul, there was an increase in tent sales on e-commerce sites. It was observed that some sellers raised tent prices by up to 8,500 lira after the earthquake. Some tents ran out of stock due to high demand.
AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE, A SURGE IN TENT DEMAND WAS EXPERIENCED
After the 6.2 magnitude earthquake that occurred in Istanbul at 12:49, panicked citizens took to the streets. Many people across the city headed to parks and green areas to spend the night. Due to the intense interest of citizens wanting to stay in a safe area after the disaster, many tent models quickly sold out. Some sellers took advantage of the increase in demand and raised their prices.
INCREASED BY 8,500 LIRA IN ONE DAY
Just before the earthquake, on April 23, the price of a 10-person family tent that was on sale for 25,415 lira rose to 33,915 lira after the earthquake. Thus, a price increase of 8,500 lira occurred in just one day. Similarly, a 6-person tent that was sold for 9,999 lira on April 23 also increased by 1,000 lira to 10,999 lira after the earthquake. Additionally, the price of a 3-person tent, which was 6,615 lira before the earthquake, increased by 735 lira to 7,350 lira after the earthquake.
"THEY ARE PROFITING UNFAIRLY FROM CITIZENS WHO FEAR THE EARTHQUAKE"
Commenting on the increase in tent prices, Aydın Ağaoğlu, President of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), said: "These are disaster profiteers. They are unfairly trying to profit from citizens who are incredibly anxious about the earthquake. You look at the price before the earthquake, and after the earthquake, the price has doubled or tripled. How can this happen in one day? They cannot account for this. Bus prices have increased. Prices for whistles, earthquake bags, tents, and flashlights have skyrocketed online.
Airline companies have raised their prices. The market is not empty. We have a law on consumer protection. Additionally, there is an Unfair Price Increase Evaluation Board within the Ministry of Trade. The Consumer Line 175 receives reports from consumers 24/7. The inspection personnel of our Ministry of Trade, which is organized in 81 provinces, conduct the necessary investigations and impose penalties."
"PRICE MANIPULATION CRIME CARRIES A PRISON SENTENCE OF 1 TO 3 YEARS"
Ağaoğlu continued his remarks by stating that citizens need to be aware of sellers who engage in unfair price increases: "The price increase they impose on citizens is an unfair price increase. Complaints can also be made online to the Unfair Price Increase Evaluation Board. Moreover, they are affecting the market, that is, the prices. This constitutes a crime of price manipulation under Article 237 of the Turkish Penal Code, which carries a prison sentence of 1 to 3 years.
In addition to administrative fines, those who engage in such unfair price increases, who chase after opportunism, and who seek to profit from disaster profiteering must be identified by the Public Prosecutor's Office. An investigation should be conducted ex officio. They should be publicly exposed. One of the Universal Rights of Consumers is to obtain information. Consumers should know who these sellers are. They should stop shopping with these sellers."
'THEY SHOULD FILE COMPLAINTS WITH SCREENSHOTS'
Ağaoğlu concluded his remarks by saying: "Citizens are not helpless. It is morally bankrupt to profit unfairly from citizens who are frightened, scared, and in a panic due to the earthquake. Furthermore, it is not only inconsistent with commercial ethics but also carries legal responsibility. There are graphs on some websites showing price changes over the last month or week. Consumers should check those and compare. If there is such a price increase, they should definitely file a complaint with the Unfair Price Evaluation Board within the Ministry of Trade, providing photos and screenshots online."
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