Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgöker: Urgent measures are necessary against exorbitant prices and monopolization.

The President of the Consumer and Competition Protection Association, Prof. Dr. Uğur Özgöker, was a guest of Abdurrahman Yazıcı in the Haberler.com studio. Özgöker, who spoke about methods to combat exorbitant pricing practices, monopolies, and cartel formations, made noteworthy suggestions regarding the issues of consumer rights.

"ALL SECTORS ARE RESPONSIBLE AGAINST EXORBITANT PRICES"

Prof. Dr. Özgöker stated that both central and local governments, consumers, and tradespeople must take responsibility in combating price increases. He expressed that fraudulent companies should be expelled from trade associations and business organizations, and called on consumers to boycott these companies.

"INSPECTIONS SHOULD BE INCREASED AND PENALTIES SHOULD BE DETERRENT"

Özgöker stated that inspections in markets and bazaars should be intensified to prevent uncontrolled price increases, saying, "Legal grounds such as banning businesses that apply exorbitant prices are necessary." He also emphasized that municipalities should expand fixed market areas and support farmers in selling directly to consumers.

"SEVERE PENALTIES SHOULD BE APPLIED TO THOSE WHO VIOLATE COMPETITION"

Özgöker expressed that competition violations cause serious harm to the state and citizens, stating that current penalties are low and need to be increased. He mentioned that the free market should be supported with alternative supplies to break monopolies and cartels.

"NO TOLERANCE FOR COUNTERFEITING AND ADULTERATION IN FOOD"

Özgöker suggested that the fines imposed by municipalities on counterfeiters and adulterators should be increased at least fivefold, emphasizing the importance of consumers immediately reporting such situations. He also added that rewards should be given to those who report foods that endanger health.

"THE DUTY ASSIGNED TO THE STATE BY THE 1982 CONSTITUTION MUST BE FULFILLED"

Özgöker emphasized the state's duty to prevent monopolization and cartelization in the goods and services markets, listing the steps that need to be taken in this regard. Reminding that price agreements among supermarkets are prohibited, he stated, "Both the state and citizens suffer from such violations."

Finally, addressing consumers, Özgöker reminded that when the shelf price does not match the checkout price, the shelf price is valid, and such situations should be reported. He pointed out that illegal electricity usage also reflects on bills, calling on consumers to act more consciously.