Heavy Penalties for Minimum Wage Exploiters
The Ministry of Commerce has initiated a strict inspection process against businesses that have increased prices under the pretext of the minimum wage hike, which has not yet been implemented. Minister Ömer Bolat announced that a total of 4 billion 758 million TL in administrative fines were imposed as a result of inspections carried out during the 11-month period of the previous year.
In a statement on the X platform, Minister Bolat indicated that inspections are ongoing and intensified against businesses preparing to raise prices taking advantage of the minimum wage increase. Bolat stated, "We will continue our efforts without interruption to protect the economic welfare of our citizens and ensure a fair market structure in our domestic trade."
As part of the ministry's inspection activities, fines were imposed on a total of 197,883 firms during the first 11 months of 2024, with the total amount of these fines reaching 4 billion 758 million TL. Minister Bolat emphasized the importance of inspections in maintaining fair competition conditions in the market and preventing consumer harm.
The Ministry of Commerce is diligently continuing its inspections. The ministry has intensified its inspections to ensure that consumers are not adversely affected by price increases. Despite the minimum wage increase not being in effect yet, it has been found that some businesses have raised their prices. In this context, legal sanctions have been implemented.
Price increases, particularly in food, clothing, and essential goods, have been closely monitored. The ministry is imposing heavy administrative fines on businesses found to be in violation to ensure fair market conditions. It aims to prevent fluctuations in the market and protect consumer rights through these fines and inspections.
Minister Bolat conveyed a message of determination in his statements, asserting that such opportunistic approaches will be curbed. He indicated that inspections would continue across Turkey and that the disruption of market balance would not be permitted. In this regard, he emphasized the necessity of conducting trade within a fair framework.
The ministry is conducting comprehensive inspections regardless of industry. The outcomes of these inspections will continue to be shared transparently with the public. Bolat highlighted the importance of consumers making informed purchasing decisions and stated that necessary measures would be promptly taken in the event of reporting unfair price increases.