Türk-İş: Starvation, poverty lines increase in August

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Starvation and poverty lines for a family of four slightly increased in August compared to the previous month, according to the monthly survey of the Confederation of Turkish Trade Unions (Türk-İş).

The starvation line, which is defined as the minimum food expenditure for a healthy, sufficient and balanced diet for a family of four living in the capital city of Ankara, rose to 6,890 lira (1 US dollar = 18.17 Turkish lira).

The starvation line increased by 0.73 percent in a month, 68.13 percent compared to the start of the year, and 119.11 percent in the last 12 years, according to Türk-İş.

The poverty line, which includes expenditures for clothing, housing, transportation, education, healthcare and other needs in addition to food expenditures, was 22,452 lira in August.

The "living cost" of a single working person was 8,999 lira.

Food prices

according to the survey, prices of milk and yogurt increased whereas cheese decreased.

The price of beef rose by 6 percent, eggs rose by 7 percent in a month, whereas lamb decreased by 10 percent, fish decreased by 10 percent and chicken decreased by 5 percent.

Prices of chickpeas, dried beans and red lentils decreased, while green lentils increased.

This month, the prices of all grain products increased in Ankara. There was a 10 percent increase in the price of pasta compared to the previous month. Rice, bulgur, flour and semolina prices also increased, the price of bread remained the same. (VK)