Berat Albayrak: We Demanded 10-Percent Discount from All Companies

* Photograph: Mehmet Acar - İstanbul / Anadolu Agency

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Minister of Treasury and Finance Berat Albayrak introduced the "Programme of Total Struggle Against Inflation" at a press conference held at the İstanbul Congress Center today (October 9).

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Stating that the fluctuations in the exchange rates have come to an end, Albayrak said that it is now time to rebalance the prices.

Albayrak announced that they they have launched the 10-percent discount campaign and added that the campaign will be in effect until the end of 2018.

As reported by the Dünya newspaper, here are some of the highlights from Albayrak's speech at the press conference:

"A discount of 10 percent"

"Speculative attacks were repelled in August and September. The fluctuations in the exchange rates have gradually been left behind, it is now time to rebalance the prices.

"We have met with our companies operating in the chain of production, services, procurement and retail; we have seen in these meetings that the companies have been strongly supporting us.

"We have agreed that all our companies make a discount of 10 percent and maintain this discount until the end of the year.

"We have been glad for the ones who have participated in the campaign; we cannot say anything for the ones who have not, there is no obligation.

"All of the companies who have participated in the campaign have pledged that they will make a minimum of 10-percent discount and use the specified logo of the campaign.

A website launched for the campaign

"We have also established the website enflasyonlamucadele.org.tr (Struggle against inflation). During this process, we have worked in a strong cooperation with the Banking Regulation and Supervision Agency (BDDK) and the Banks Association of Turkey. Citizens will follow the companies that have supported the campaign on this website.

"We will continue our effective struggle against profiteering and stockpiling.

"Unless there is not a large-scale process of change in the world, we will not raise the electricity and natural gas prices until the end of the year." (EKN/SD)