04.02.2025 14:14
The Ministry of Trade has launched an investigation into businesses in Istanbul that have raised the price of simit to 20 TL. A total of 35 businesses were identified and recorded for selling simit at 20 TL, in violation of the official price list, which states that "100 grams of simit costs 10 TL."
At the beginning of this week in Istanbul, some businesses started selling simit for prices of 20 TL and above. The price of simit, which was previously sold for 15 TL, has been increased by 33%.
LEGAL ACTION INITIATED
Deputy Minister of Trade Mahmut Gürcan announced on his X account that legal action has been initiated against businesses following complaints regarding the sale of simit for 20 TL in some establishments in Istanbul.
INSPECTIONS HAVE INCREASED
In his statement, Gürcan noted the following:
We are resolutely continuing our market inspections to protect consumer rights and create a fair, competitive trade environment within the framework of free market conditions. In this context, a comprehensive inspection has been carried out throughout Istanbul in response to complaints in the written, visual, and digital media regarding the sale of simit for 20 TL.
35 BUSINESSES FINED
During simultaneous inspections conducted by our Istanbul Trade Provincial Directorate on February 3, 2025, in 18 different districts, meticulous examinations were carried out regarding simit sales prices. As a result of the inspections, it was determined that 35 businesses were selling simit, a type of baked good, for 20 TL, contrary to the official price list stating '100 gr simit 10 TL'. Reports have been prepared regarding these businesses in accordance with the relevant legislation, and the reports have been sent to the Unfair Price Assessment Board for necessary investigations and the initiation of legal actions against the relevant businesses.
"WE ARE RESOLUTELY APPLYING SANCTIONS AGAINST SPECULATIVE PRICE INCREASES"
As the Ministry of Trade, we are continuously carrying out our inspection activities to protect our consumers, ensure price stability in the markets, and prevent unfair price increases. In this context, we closely monitor price movements, especially in essential food items and necessary consumer products, and we resolutely apply all necessary administrative sanctions against speculative price increases. We will continue to expand our inspections to protect the economic interests of our citizens and maintain market balance; we will not tolerate exorbitant price increases in any way.