Ministry of Commerce Imposes Record 126.7 Million TL Penalty
The Ministry of Commerce has taken swift action in response to complaints of exorbitant price increases for fire safety equipment following the hotel fire disaster in Bolu Kartalkaya on January 21, 2024. The Ministry conducted large-scale investigations into various sales channels, particularly e-commerce platforms, to address this issue.
After demanding urgent information and documents from companies selling fire safety equipment on electronic marketplaces, the Ministry carried out inspections through Provincial Directorates of Trade to monitor the process. As a result, an administrative fine of 7 million 696 thousand 810 TL was imposed on the Fire Tubes and Materials Sector for unjustified price hikes.
Furthermore, the Ministry also investigated price hikes in goods and services offered by private education institutions. Following comprehensive audits, a penalty of 66 million 207 thousand 800 TL was applied to private schools that had implemented excessive price increases in survey, food, book, and clothing fees.
In addition, bakeries, butchers, national and local chain markets, and other retail enterprises were also targeted for unfair pricing practices. A total of 52 million 824 thousand 640 TL in administrative fines was imposed on businesses acting against legislation in the retail sector.
Overall, the Ministry of Commerce has taken a firm stance against exorbitant pricing practices, imposing a total of 126.7 million TL in administrative fines on businesses found to be unjustly raising prices. These measures aim to establish a fair and transparent pricing policy, protect consumers from unfair practices, and promote accountability in the market.
