The application comparing market prices by the Ministry of Industry and Technology revealed businesses engaging in opportunism. Significant price differences of up to two times were identified among chain supermarkets operating in the same neighborhood. Consumer associations stated that this situation could be circumvented by applying recommended prices.

A new step has been taken to combat inflated prices. The Ministry of Industry and Technology, along with TÜBİTAK, launched the “marketfiyati.org.tr” platform where market prices are compared. Citizens had long been complaining about exorbitant price hikes in supermarkets. Now, through this platform, product prices in chain supermarkets can be compared. With nearly 50,000 product prices on the platform, the aim is to prevent price gaming. Consumers can instantly inquire about the prices of various products such as fruit, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, staple foods, cleaning, and personal care products on the site. The platform also shows where the best price for a selected product can be found.

TWO-FOLD PRICE FOR THE SAME PRODUCT According to a report in Türkiye Gazetesi, while the application provides great convenience for consumers, it also reveals exorbitant price increases among supermarkets. It was found that two different supermarkets in the same neighborhood sold the same product at twice the price. A cleaning product of brand X was priced at 129 lira in one chain market, while the same product was priced at 265 lira in another chain market serving the same neighborhood.
REACTION ON SOCIAL MEDIA The fact that identical branded products had different price tags stirred reactions on social media. Consumers took to social media sharing, “Thanks to the application, we can see where the products are cheaper. However, the Ministry also sees these price differences. With this application, it would be much easier for them to impose fines.”
MUST BE REPORTED Consumer Confederation (TÜKONFED) President Aydın Ağaoğlu mentioned the usefulness of the application, stating, “Consumers will have used their greatest power by not going to stores that sell expensively.” Emphasizing that businesses aiming to sell at high prices will suffer a substantial loss of turnover, Ağaoğlu insisted, “Conscious consumers must definitely check the prices here. If consumers see equal prices or exorbitant prices among stores in the system, they should report it to the relevant authorities and lodge a complaint.”
RECOMMENDATION ON SUGGESTED PRICES Ağaoğlu advised putting a recommended selling price label on products. Mentioning that the application will eliminate price differences among supermarkets, Ağaoğlu said, “If any business does not comply with this regulation, a closure penalty can be imposed.”
WHICH SUPERMARKETS ARE INCLUDED IN MARKET PRICES? Market Price compares the prices of major chain supermarkets such as A101, BIM, CarrefourSA, HAKMAR, MIGROS, Tarım Kredi Pazarlama ve Marketçilik, and ŞOK Marketler.