The monthly poverty threshold for a family of four increased by more than 13 percent in the past year to reach 5,584 Turkish liras ($1,190) in June, according to the regular research of the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Türk-Iş).
The research shows that the poverty threshold rose from TL 4,913 ($1,395) in June 2017 to TL 5,584 ($1,190) in June 2018, while the hunger threshold jumped from TL 1,508 ($428) to TL 1,714 ($365). The poverty and hunger threshold for May were TL 5,492 ($1,314) and TL 1,686 ($403), respectively.
The monthly surveys reflect the price changes of basic necessities on family budgets.
The net minimum wage in Turkey currently stands at TL 1,600 ($341).
Türk-İş calculated the threshold, which indicates the minimum amount of money needed to save a four-member family from starvation, at 936 liras in August 2012.
The poverty threshold also grew markedly, going from 3,048 liras in August 2012 to 3,222 this month.
The poverty threshold consists of compulsory expenditures including clothing, rent, electricity, water and heating added to the food expenditure of a family of four. The hunger threshold consists of the monthly food expenditure needed to receive sufficient nutrition.
PRICES OF ONION AND POTATO INCREASED WITHIN LAST WEEK OF JUNE
The TÜRK-İŞ report in June 2018 shows that there is a price increase in raw vegetables and fruits despite the expected fall in the prices due to seasonal circumstances. Especially the price of onions and potatoes highly increased within the last week of June compared the first weeks of the month. The average price of vegetables and fruits has risen to 5,02 Turkish lira [$1,080]; this amount was 4,52 Turkish lira [~$1,080] in May.
According to the report, there is no a significant price change in milk and milk products. Yet, it has been detected that product range decreased in some groceries. There is also no change in the price of meat and meat products as well as the prices of farm fish.
In June 2018, potato and onion became more expensive both monthly and annually, while the food prices have been on the rise in Turkey. According to the numbers released by the Wholesale Market Hall Directorate of İstanbul Metropolitan Municipality, 1 kilogramme of potatoes cost between 1 and 1,8 Turkish lira (nearly $0,4) in May, while it costs between 2,5 and 3,5 lira (more than $0,7) on June 19, which shows that the prices have increased by 94%. When compared to the prices in June 2017, it is also seen that the annual rise is nearly 75%.
Turkish government allowed potato and onion imports in certain amounts and from certain countries in an effort to curb prices, which have recently skyrocketed.
