The Turkish government is taking fines against excessive vegetable prices. In total, a fine of two million Turkish Lira (about € 330,000) was imposed on traders.
The newspaper Hürriyet reported that the government has initiated checks on markets for excessive fruit and vegetable prices. One had let compare the purchase with the selling prices. A total of 88 companies have sold their products too expensive, including cucumbers, garlic and potatoes.
Surcharges up to 800 percent
The dispute over vegetable prices is an important issue in the election campaign. Turkey is suffering from a high inflation rate and the poor economic situation could cost the ruling AK party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan votes in local elections.
In January 2019, foodstuffs cost an average of 30.97 percent more than a year ago. For some vegetables, it was up to 88 percent more. According to "Hürriyet", however, the authorities have said they have discovered mark-ups of 100 to 800 percent in their market surveys.
Lira Expiration, Inflation and Co.
The fines are a measure in the fight against the "food terror", as Erdogan had called it recently. Experts believe that the majority of the crisis is home-made - the government, on the other hand, sees the responsibility of dealers or "foreign forces".
In mid-February, the government began to sell vegetables in Ankara and Istanbul at purchase prices. Erdogan announced that it would expand the deal if prices did not fall.