14.02.2025 12:00
The chain store price comparison screen has been made accessible through marketfiyati.org.tr. While the site features nearly 50,000 products, a scandalous 'exorbitant price' table emerged less than three days after the site was launched. It was found that there was a twofold difference in the prices of the same product sold by two stores located in the same neighborhood.
The website marketfiyati.org.tr, where the Ministry of Industry and Technology compares prices in all chain markets, has attracted significant interest. It has been reported that the site, where citizens can compare product prices, received 490,000 unique visits in the first 24 hours.
PRICES OF MARKETS LISTED ONE BY ONE
Citizens have been complaining about the exorbitant price increases in markets for a long time. Now, product prices in chain markets can be compared through this platform. With nearly 50,000 product prices available on the platform, the aim is to prevent price manipulation. Consumers can instantly check the prices of many products, including fruits, vegetables, meat, chicken, fish, basic food, cleaning, and personal care products. It is also possible to see which market has the lowest price for the selected product.
DOUBLE PRICE FOR THE SAME PRODUCT
According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, while the application provides great convenience for consumers, it has also revealed the exorbitant price increases among markets.
It was determined that two different markets in the same neighborhood sold the same product at double the price. While the price of a cleaning product of brand X in one chain market was 129 lira, the same product was found to be priced at 265 lira in another chain market operating in the same neighborhood.
REACTIONS TO CONFLICTING PRICES
The existence of different price tags for the same branded products has led to reactions on social media. Consumers shared on social media, "Thanks to the application, we can see where which product is cheaper. However, the ministry also sees these price differences. With this application, it will be much easier for them to impose fines."
"COMPLAINTS MUST BE MADE"
Aydın Ağaoğlu, the President of the Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED), stated that the application is very useful, saying, "Consumers will use their greatest power by not going to stores that sell at high prices."
Pointing out that businesses aiming to sell at high prices will suffer significant revenue loss, Ağaoğlu said, "Conscious consumers must definitely check the prices here. If consumers see equal or exorbitant prices among markets in the system, they should report it to the relevant authorities and file a complaint."
CALL FOR RECOMMENDED PRICES
Ağaoğlu recommended that a label indicating the suggested retail price be placed on products. He stated that the price differences among markets would be eliminated with the application, adding, "If there is a business that does not comply with this regulation, a closure penalty may be applied."