Rising fuel costs strain Turkish transportation tradesmen

Rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs are placing severe financial strain on the transportation and tradesmen sectors in Turkey. In Mersin, Mehmet Kartal, Deputy Chairman of the Mersin Metropolitan Tradesmen Chamber, reported that diesel prices have surged from approximately 50 lira to 84 lira per liter, making it impossible for many to maintain operations. Currently, 250 out of 1,274 registered commercial M-plate vehicles in the city have ceased operations due to these costs.

Bendevi Palandöken, President of TESK, highlighted that the tax burden on fuel and high service fees—such as taxi meter inspections exceeding official rates—are driving up transportation costs and fueling inflation. Palandöken noted that increased costs affect everything from public transit to the transport of food and household goods. He advocated for the reinstatement of the ‘Eşel Mobil’ system to balance prices and suggested reducing VAT on essential vehicle maintenance and repairs to alleviate the burden on tradesmen.