Significant price increase in transportation before the holiday: Tickets have become more expensive by up to 350%.
As the Ramadan Feast approaches, significant price hikes have been made in the transportation sector. Bus ticket prices have increased by up to 70%, while plane ticket prices have risen by as much as 350%, shocking citizens. While transportation companies attribute these increases to a rise in demand, consumer organizations have reacted to the situation.
Downpour of Price Hikes on Bus and Plane Tickets
According to a report by Türkiye Gazetesi, price increases in the transportation sector have begun to attract attention just days before the holiday. The hikes, especially in bus and plane tickets, have caused public outcry. A bus ticket from Istanbul to Trabzon, which was 1,100 TL a week before Ramadan Feast, jumped to 1,800 TL on the eve of the holiday. This indicates a 70% increase in bus ticket prices within a week.
Similarly, a plane ticket from Istanbul to Adana was 1,300 TL on March 17, but a week later the price surged to 4,869 TL, representing a 350% increase.
Officials and Citizens Face Off Over Price Hikes
While these price hikes in the transportation sector have created disappointment among citizens, company officials attribute the situation to increased demand. A regional manager of a bus company stated that demand rises dramatically during holiday periods, leading to price increases. The official emphasized that holiday periods are times when companies recover losses. A representative from an airline company also stated that ticket prices are determined based on supply and demand balance and that prices have increased due to high demand. The official advised customers to make early reservations, noting that some services are already fully booked.
Criticism from Consumer Organizations: Lack of Oversight
The notable increases in transportation prices before the holiday have drawn the ire of consumer organizations.
Consumer Confederation President Aydın Ağaoğlu expressed that they encounter such hikes every year and that the justifications are not understandable. Ağaoğlu stated that regulations set by the General Directorate of Civil Aviation and the Road Transport Regulation are not being followed.
Consumers have also mentioned that they can file complaints against companies that impose exorbitant price increases to the Unfair Pricing Assessment Board or via CİMER.
Emphasis on the Importance of Early Reservations
Mehmet Bülent Deniz, President of the Consumer Union Federation, stated that such price hikes during special periods like holidays are common both in Turkey and worldwide. Deniz pointed out that prices in the transportation sector are based on supply and demand balance and that citizens can travel economically by purchasing their tickets early during times of high demand. He advised consumers to buy their tickets as early as possible when planning their travels.