Energy Privatization Schemes Postponed

Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Hilmi Guler, in a public statement announces that privatization of electrical energy distribution infrastructure is postponed.

Three tenders, sceheduled for January 19, are also suspended. Turkish Privatization Administration would give further explanation, the minister said.

Guler's remarks follow media reports leaking from PM's office that Tayyip Erdogan urges for postponing the tenders, as "They would end up with consumer price increases and we would pay for the consequences in the general elections".

Government spokesperson Cemil Cicek however, in apress briefing denied any change in governmnet's privatization policies and said: "they will go on as planned in due time".

On the other hand, Chamber of Electrical Engineers continues campaign against privatizations. Private sector would not invest in the energy sector unless they see a profitable situation.

Turkey's growing demand for energy will require further investment in the infrastructure and this could be met only through public resources, putting public interest ahead of individual benefits, they say.(EU)