Turkey fuel prices surge as diesel exceeds 100 TL per liter

Fuel prices in Turkey have reached critical levels, with diesel (motorin) surpassing the 100 TL per liter threshold. This surge has triggered widespread concern across various sectors of the economy.

Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar attributed the rising costs to global supply issues and tensions in critical maritime routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on refining infrastructure. He noted that while domestic production in Gabar and the Black Sea could eventually mitigate energy import costs, current prices remain tied to global dynamics.

Economic and agricultural stakeholders have voiced strong opposition. Farmers warn that rising diesel costs make production unsustainable, potentially leading to unplanted fields and increased migration to cities. Labor unions and political figures have called for tax relief, arguing that the high tax burden on fuel exacerbates inflation and reduces purchasing power. Additionally, livestock producers report that while meat prices remain relatively stagnant, the rising cost of fuel and feed is squeezing profit margins, threatening food security.