14.01.2026 16:20
The statement by the President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral, who said that the purpose of the 30 Euro regulation is to "protect domestic producers" but that the resulting situation has turned into "opportunism and exploitation," found support through social media posts. Citizens shared screenshots highlighting the significant price differences between international prices and sales prices in Turkey for various products, making visible the criticism of "excessive pricing" pointed out by Saral.
As of February 6, it was stated that all products purchased online from abroad would be subject to customs procedures and a declaration requirement would be introduced. Following the removal of the 30 Euro customs exemption, there have been reports that prices, especially for certain products, have risen sharply in a short time.
"EXCESSIVE PRICE INCREASE" REACTION MOVED TO SOCIAL MEDIA
After the regulation, citizens reacted by sharing screenshots comparing the foreign prices of different products with their sales prices in Turkey. In the shares, it was claimed that some products sold abroad at low prices were listed at significantly higher prices in Turkey. As the debate grew, examples of "price differences" across different product groups became widespread on social media.
ÖMER ÇELİK SIGNALS A STEP BACK
AK Party Spokesperson Ömer Çelik stated that the main justification for the regulation is consumer health and product safety, evaluating that "this step was taken to prevent unfair competition." Çelik also mentioned that new assessments could be made in "exceptional cases with technological necessity," indicating that the door is open on this issue. He also expressed that the Ministry of Trade has shown the necessary sensitivity regarding excessive pricing.
OKTAY SARAL: NOT PROTECTION, CLEARLY OPPORTUNISM AND EXPLOITATION
While citizen reactions continue, President's Chief Advisor Oktay Saral emphasized that the purpose of the regulation is to protect local producers and tradesmen. However, Saral stated that the emerging picture shows that the purpose has been "seriously distorted," saying, "If a product that costs 50 lira rises to 750 lira, and a device that costs 2500 lira is sold for 15,000 lira, there is no longer protection, but clearly opportunism and exploitation." Saral expressed criticisms that citizens are being "penalized" in many areas from electronic components to spare parts, stating, "Local producers will be supported, but this support should not be provided by crushing citizens; it must be ensured with justice and moderation."
THE SAME QUESTION IN SHARES: IS THIS TO DEVELOP LOCAL PRODUCERS?
As the debate grew, social media users argued that the application practically "opens the door to opportunism" by showing examples of the difference between the foreign price of different products and their sales price in Turkey. In some shares, it was reminded that the purpose of the regulation is to provide support, and comments were made that "the increase in prices in this way" cannot be accepted.
Here are a few of those shares;