26.03.2025 09:41
Recently, the Ministry of Trade in Turkey has initiated new inspections regarding red meat, which has been in the spotlight due to allegations of hoarding and exorbitant prices. The ministry reported that certain companies engaged in hoarding, causing speculative price fluctuations without a significant increase in cost factors in the livestock sector, are being monitored.
The activities of companies producing red meat have started to be closely monitored again by the authorities. The Ministry of Trade reported that some companies that have engaged in stockpiling without a significant increase in cost factors, leading to speculative price fluctuations in the livestock sector, have been put under surveillance.
The statement said:
"While the Ministry of Trade continues to eliminate activities that prevent our citizens from accessing products and to take deterrent measures, our efforts against actions that create scarcity in the market and disrupt market balance and free competition by producers, suppliers, and retail businesses are ongoing.
While the red meat procured by the Meat and Milk Institution is delivered at low prices in all ESK stores and supermarkets that are members of Per-Der across the country, reports have been received regarding price increase attempts by some producer companies.
In this context, some companies that have taken advantage of the blessed month of Ramadan by engaging in stockpiling without a significant increase in cost factors, causing consumers to access red meat at exorbitant prices, have been closely monitored in coordination with the Ministry of Trade and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry.
INVESTIGATION INITIATED FOR 20 BUSINESSES
Simultaneous inspections have begun in our provinces regarding red meat, and administrative sanctions and financial penalties will be applied uncompromisingly to those engaging in exorbitant pricing and stockpiling.
In this scope, inspectors from the Ministry of Trade have been assigned to conduct inspections and audits on a total of 20 businesses operating in 8 of our provinces, and they started comprehensive inspections simultaneously early in the morning on March 24, 2025, which are still ongoing.
As the Ministry of Trade, we invite our companies to act with sensitivity in presenting their products to consumers at prices compatible with costs, while necessary actions will be taken by the Ministry of Trade against those who engage in stockpiling and/or attempt to sell their products at exorbitant prices. The actions taken will be shared with the public."