Due to shortage, some markets in Turkey impose quotas on sugar, oil sales

Duvar English 

Some markets in Turkey have begun imposing quotas on the sales of oil and sugar due to a shortage in their supply, the daily Sözcü reported on Nov. 17. 

The practice was confirmed by Food Retailers Association head Galip Aykaç, who said that it aims to ensure that all consumers get the products they need. 

The shortage in supplies is expected to add to the consumers' woes caused by skyrocketing inflation. 

According to Sözcü, some markets limited the sale of sunflower seed oil to one liter per customer, prompting people to ask whether they can't buy more during discounts since regular prices are already too high. 

The practice can be seen at the stores of The Agricultural Credit Cooperatives of Turkey, which placed placards to inform the customers that they can only buy one bottle. The cooperative says that the prices are lower than average in its stores, which leads to customers stocking the goods. 

Aykaç said that Turkey imports some 45 percent of its sunflower need and the increasing commodity prices around the world increase costs in return. 

"Since the Turkish Lira is also losing its value, the oil and sunflower seed producers in the country want to be cautious in the supplies because the prices are continuing to increase without a stop at sight," he said. 

Some customers told Sözcü that sugar sales are limited to two boxes, which was triggered by Turkish Sugar Refineries Corporation limiting the supplies due to a number of private companies' 40 percent price hikes. Markets, in return, are unable to obtain a sufficient amount of sugar. 

Following the crisis, Turkish Sugar Refineries Corporation also increased the prices by 25 percent, but the supplies are still low. 

"Private sugar factories don't sell at the same prices as Turkish Sugar Refineries Corporation. This causes a lack of supplies," Aykaç said.