Statements on Exorbitant Pricing and Retail Sector from Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat
Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat announced new legal regulations and increased administrative penalties against unfair commercial practices in the retail and e-commerce sector.
Speaking at the TürkMedya E-Commerce and Retail Summit, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat shared developments in the e-commerce and retail sectors, new regulations against unfair commercial practices, the new Wholesale Market Law draft, and increased penalties for exorbitant pricing and hoarding.
Global Economic Process
Delivering the opening speech at the TürkMedya E-Commerce and Retail Summit, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat stated that the world economy has been facing wars, energy and food crises, and supply chain disruptions since the pandemic.
E-Commerce Data
It was announced that Türkiye's e-commerce volume increased by 52 percent in 2025, exceeding 4.5 trillion liras, and the number of businesses engaged in e-commerce reached 634 thousand.
Emphasizing the importance of a regulated market structure in electronic commerce, Bolat noted that legislative efforts are ongoing against false and deceptive advertisements, counterfeit products, and sales methods that mislead consumers.
Retail Sector Rules
Stating that new rules have been introduced within the scope of the Law on the Regulation of Retail Trade, Bolat expressed that practices such as imposing campaign costs on the party unwilling to participate and demanding shelf or space rent for services that do not affect product demand have been banned.
It was reported that maximum payment periods for agricultural and food products have been reorganized.
New Wholesale Market Law Draft
It was announced that the new Wholesale Market Law draft regarding vegetable and fruit trade has been completed by the Ministry of Trade.
It was noted that the study is being evaluated before the AK Party's TBMM Group Presidency and is expected to come to the Parliament's agenda in the new legislative period.
Increased Penalties and Inspections
Within the scope of the fight against exorbitant pricing and hoarding, it was reported that as of 2026, the administrative fine for exorbitant pricing has increased from 180 thousand liras to 1 million 806 thousand liras, and the penalty for hoarding has increased up to 21 million 674 thousand liras.
It was conveyed that workplace closure sanctions can be applied in cases of repeated hoarding.
Inspection Figures
Bolat stated that in the first eight months of 2026, approximately 322 thousand companies and 39 million products were inspected, and a total of 2 billion 240 million liras in administrative fines were issued due to unsafe products, exorbitant prices, and unfair commercial practices.
It was also announced that the working capital loan limit provided to tradesmen and craftsmen has been increased to 1.5 million liras.