Why aren’t prices dropping? Alanya mayor says “Don’t dream about it”

Will the new Market Law reduce prices? Critical warning from Alanya

A new draft law aimed at reducing fruit and vegetable prices in Türkiye will be submitted to Parliament on October 1. However, Alanya Wholesale Market Association President Adem Kaya stated that the law alone will not be enough to lower prices. According to Kaya, unless input costs such as electricity, fuel, labor, and transportation are reduced, prices cannot fall.

The draft, prepared by the Ministry of Trade, seeks to reduce intermediary costs and ensure consumers have access to cheaper products. Supermarkets will be required to purchase at least 20% of their products directly from producers or producer organizations. Free allocation of market space and various supports are also included for producers.

The draft bans transfers of goods between brokers and traders in wholesale markets, while penalties for price manipulation are increased. Fines for stockpiling and artificially inflating prices will rise from 177,340 TL to 1 million TL. Those discarding products will face administrative fines of 200,000 TL.

Kaya emphasized that the real solution lies in production planning and increased support for farmers, highlighting that reducing fuel costs and labor expenses is essential to make fruit and vegetable prices more affordable for consumers.