The debate over the price increase of bread.

The Deputy Chairman of the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), Balcı, stated during a press conference held at the Federation General Center that the recent increase in flour and input prices over the past month has put pressure on bakers.

"INCREASE IN BREAD PRICES IS INEVITABLE"

Balcı expressed that these increases have made a rise in bread prices inevitable, saying, "We have conducted the necessary studies with the relevant institutions regarding what can be done about these increases. We have been working with our Ministry of Trade and our Ministry of Treasury and Finance." Balcı reported that this year's harvest was higher than usual, with 14.5 million tons of bread wheat and 12 million tons of wheat used for bread flour harvested. Despite the quality of the harvest being lower this year, Balcı noted that the prices in certain regions have increased due to the quality and desired level of the products from those areas, emphasizing that measures need to be taken in this regard.

"PRICES WILL NOT INCREASE THIS MONTH"

Balcı pointed out that if the increases continue, the price of bread will no longer be reasonable, stating: "If the price of bread is being sold at 50 lira per kilogram today, it will not be possible to maintain this price at 65 lira. This means it will negatively affect bread. Until now, our tradesmen have shown the necessary sacrifice. I want to express that there will be no price change in bread sold at 50 lira per kilogram this month." he said.

"OUR GOAL IS TO MANAGE WITHOUT INCREASING PRICES"

Balcı noted: "If these negative conditions continue, the reflection on bread will also become abnormal. The reflection on bread has always been in the range of 20-25%. With the minimum wage, it is necessary to try not to exceed the 25% band. A study should be conducted in this regard."

"SERIOUS PRICE INCREASE"

Institutions need to fulfill their responsibilities. We have been in daily discussions with our Ministry of Trade regarding this issue for a month. We have spoken with our Minister of Treasury and Finance, Mehmet Şimşek. Our goal is to manage the price of bread, a basic food item, as much as we can without increasing it. In summary, for this month, bread prices are being sold at 50 lira per kilogram, and they will continue to be sold at this price, but if our efforts do not yield results, it will mean a serious reflection on the price of bread in the following period after this month."