Inflation in Turkey accelerates: April brings a 4.62% price increase

Turkey has recorded another acceleration in inflation: according to the Turkish Statistical Institute, the cost of living rose by 4.62% in April compared to March. Since the beginning of the year, inflation has reached 12.02%, and in annual terms, it stood at 38.15%, reflecting persistent pressure on consumer prices. Economists note that the increase covers a wide range of goods and services, affecting both daily expenses and leisure activities.

The highest monthly price increase was recorded in the "entertainment and culture" category — 9.77%. This is followed by restaurants and hotels (7.12%), clothing and footwear (7.07%), education (6.92%), and transport (5.32%). Even basic categories, such as food and non-alcoholic beverages, showed an increase of 3.47%, intensifying the pressure on households.

Overall, prices rose for 497 goods and services included in the index, while a decrease was recorded for only 97 items. The most notable price spikes were for football pitch rentals (nearly doubling), vehicle emission measurement services, and pool visits. At the same time, a significant drop in prices was observed for certain vegetables, including green beans, eggplants, and cucumbers.

Experts emphasize that the multi-directional price dynamics indicate the influence of seasonal factors, but the overall trend remains inflationary. The price increase is felt most strongly in service sectors, which may be due to increased business costs. In an environment of persistent inflation, the purchasing power of the population continues to be under pressure.