While Turkish citizens are still grappling with the consequences of an unprecedented rise in onion prices, new market reports indicate that potato prices have also begun a worrying jump, following the same pattern.
New Wave of High Prices on Turkish Tables
Field reports from wholesale and retail markets in major Turkish cities, including Istanbul and Ankara, show that potato prices experienced a significant jump in mid-July 2026. This price increase, which according to the media outlet Haber TR, follows the exact upward trajectory of onion prices in recent months, has created a wave of concern among Turkish households [1]. As a strategic commodity in the people's food basket, potatoes have now become a new symbol of food inflation.
Why Did Potato Prices Increase?
Economic analysts point to several key factors for this situation. The first factor is the skyrocketing cost of production. According to a report by the Anadolu Agency, the prices of fuel, chemical fertilizers, and pesticides have grown significantly this year, directly affecting the final cost of agricultural products [2]. Additionally, unfavorable weather conditions in major production regions such as Niğde and Nevşehir have led to a decrease in harvest volume this season. This supply shortage against steady demand has disrupted market balance and led to price hikes [3].
Comparison with the Onion Price Crisis
The concerning point for experts is the similarity between the growth pattern of potato prices and the previously occurred onion crisis. In both cases, prices initially grew slowly in local markets and then experienced a sudden jump due to the involvement of middlemen and logistical problems [1]. Bloomberg HT notes in its analysis that if the government does not take immediate intervention to regulate the market and support farmers, potato prices could set new records in the coming weeks [3].
Reactions and Future Outlook
Agricultural unions in Turkey have warned that without the allocation of fuel and seed subsidies, controlling retail prices will be practically impossible. Consumers have also protested on social media regarding their declining purchasing power. It is expected that in the coming days, the Turkish Ministry of Agriculture will adopt new measures for the direct supply of products from farms to markets to bypass middlemen and return prices to relative stability [2]. However, as long as production costs do not decrease, inflationary pressure on basic agricultural products will remain.
The increase in potato prices in local Turkish markets has caused concern among consumers.
linkSources
- Patates Fiyatları Soğanın İzinden Gidiyor: Artış Endişe Yaratıyor — Haber TR (2026-07-15)
- Türkiye'de Tarımsal Girdi Maliyetleri ve Gıda Enflasyonu — Anadolu Ajansı (2026-07-16)
- Gıda Fiyatlarında Yeni Dalga: Patates ve Soğan Krizi — Bloomberg HT (2026-07-14)
