Turkey's Trade Ministry cracks down on post‑deposit price hikes in bottled water

The Turkish Trade Ministry has launched a nationwide investigation into price increases for bottled water and other packaged beverages following the introduction of the Deposit Management System (DOA) on 1 July 2026, which adds a 1 TL refund per bottle. The ministry says that any price rise that exceeds the actual cost increase will be classified as an unfair price increase and may attract administrative fines ranging from 180 000 TL to 1.8 million TL. It has ordered inspections of manufacturers, suppliers and retailers, warned firms of “haksız fiyat” (unfair pricing) penalties, and pledged to enforce the sanctions. Consumer organisations have denounced the hikes as opportunistic, calling the practice “fırsatçılık” (price‑gouging), while the ministry emphasizes protection of consumer rights, market balance and fair competition.