Ahead of the Ramadan month, inspections targeting unauthorized practices like price gouging and stockpiling have been intensified. In January, 11 thousand establishments and 52 thousand products were inspected. Minister of Trade Bolat announced that additional measures would be taken if necessary. The Ministry of Trade has accelerated its inspections to prevent unauthorized practices such as price gouging and stockpiling. Accordingly, since January, approximately 11 thousand establishments and more than 152 thousand products nationwide have been inspected for unfair price increases and stockpiling. These inspections focused especially on staple food items like flour, bread, oil, milk and dairy products, eggs, red and white meat, and pulses that hold an important place in consumers’ Ramadan tables. Additionally, cleaning and hygiene materials like all kinds of cleaners, detergents, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, and personal care products were also examined. ADMINISTRATIVE SANCTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED Inspections, intensified shortly before the Ramadan month, will continue to be increased. Administrative sanctions will be imposed against all initiatives manipulating market regulation in the transportation of staple food and essential items. In this context, efforts are ongoing to detect practices of price gouging and stockpiling. The Unfair Price Evaluation Board will apply necessary administrative sanctions against identified irregularities aiming to protect consumer rights and ensure fair competition in the market. Accordingly, fines ranging from 143,930 to 1,439,300 Turkish Lira can be imposed for price gouging, and for stockpiling attempts, fines between 1,439,300 and 17,271,600 Turkish Lira may be given. HOW TO REPORT PRICE GOUGING? Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that before the Ramadan month, all major sectors, especially food, are closely monitored. Bolat indicated that they continue efforts to ensure the fair, competitive, and stable operation of the market by the Ministry. He stated: “In order to prevent the negativity created by manipulative price increases in the market, our inspections will continue without slowing down in the coming days. If necessary, additional measures will be promptly implemented by our Ministry. Within this scope, citizens can report price gouging and stockpiling attempts regarding basic food and essential items through the Presidential Communication Center (CİMER), the e-Government system, the Unfair Price Increase Complaint System (HFA) mobile application, or by directly contacting our Ministry or trade provincial directorates. We stand behind all kinds of market inspections, always supporting our citizens. We are working to intensify our inspection activities even more during the Ramadan month to ensure this blessed month is spent in the best possible way.”