Trade Ministry Launches Price Inquiry for 17 Flour Mills

The Ministry of Commerce conducted inspections of 21 different flour factories in 11 provinces and initiated an investigation into exorbitant price increases at 17 of these factories.

In a statement, the Ministry emphasized, "As the Ministry of Commerce, we meticulously monitor price fluctuations, especially in essential food products, in order to protect consumers' economic interests and ensure the establishment of fair pricing mechanisms in the market."

The statement further explained that comprehensive inspections were carried out to examine the fluctuations in the price of bread flour, one of the basic consumption items in the country, and to identify any violations of market regulations. It continued:

"As a result of the inspections of 50 kg bread flour prices at 21 flour factories located in Amasya, Ankara, Balıkesir, Çorum, Edirne, Eskişehir, Konya, Nevşehir, Rize, Samsun, and Trabzon, it was determined by our Provincial Directorates of Commerce that 17 firms had made price increases contrary to market regulations.

Administrative processes have been initiated against the firms identified as having made unjustified price increases, and the reports prepared for each firm will be submitted to the Unjust Price Assessment Board after obtaining the defenses of the firm officials. Following the assessment by the Board, necessary sanctions will be promptly imposed on the firms found to disrupt market order.

As the Ministry of Commerce, we are resolutely continuing our inspections to ensure transparency and fairness in markets, protect consumers, and prevent unjust price increases. We want to reiterate that we will not tolerate behaviors that harm market order.

Necessary measures will continue to be taken to protect consumers and ensure market stability."