Onion Price Crisis in Turkey: 5-Fold Increase in Less Than a Month

Price Shock in Turkish Markets and the Aydın Region

In mid-July 2026, reports from local Turkish markets, particularly in the Aydın region, indicate a sudden and alarming jump in dry onion prices. According to local media reports, the price per kilogram of onions, which was around 15 Lira last month, has now reached 75 Lira on store shelves and daily markets [1]. This 5-fold increase in a short period has turned onions into one of the most expensive items in the household food basket and has once again sounded the alarm for food inflation.

Roots of the Crisis: From Climate Change to Reduced Cultivation Area

Agricultural experts and market activists cite several key factors for this crisis. One of the main reasons is the significant reduction in production this year. Many farmers, who suffered losses in the past two years due to low prices, reduced their cultivation area this year and shifted to other crops [1][2].

Additionally, unfavorable climatic conditions have also played a destructive role. Recent floods in key production areas like Adana caused serious damage to crops ready for harvest and led to a decrease in market supply [1]. Furthermore, high costs of fuel and agricultural inputs have caused the final cost for the producer, and consequently for the end consumer, to increase sharply [3].

Immediate Government Intervention and Import Tariff Reduction

In response to this critical situation, the Turkish Ministry of Trade has initiated immediate measures to stabilize the market. To prevent speculative movements and ensure supply security, the government has decided to temporarily reduce the customs tariff on dry onion imports. According to this decree, the import tariff has been reduced to 5 percent until August 31, 2026 [1][3]. The goal of this action is to facilitate the entry of foreign products to compensate for the domestic shortage and reduce price pressure on consumers.

Market Outlook and Potential Timing for Price Reductions

Although prices are currently at their peak, there are hopes for improvement in the coming weeks. With the start of new harvests in regions like Polatlı in Ankara and Amasya, the volume of supply in the market is expected to increase [1]. Government officials predict that with these products entering the market and the implementation of import facilities, prices will balance out by the end of August and the current fever will subside. However, consumers continue to view market fluctuations with caution.