Turkey’s Competition Authority on Friday announced an investigation into 24 businesses across the country for violation of fair competition regulations in the wholesaling of fruits and vegetables, local media reported.
As the government blames vendors for a spike in produce prices in Turkey, 14 wholesalers in İstanbul, seven in Ankara and three in Antalya will be under investigation.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has referred to “food terrorism” in Turkey amid increasing prices ahead of local elections on March 31. In an effort to provide affordable vegetables and fruits to people, the government opened stalls in major cities last month and sold government-subsidized produce to the general public.