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➤ According to www.ankarahaberler.com’s report In recent times, fuel prices in Turkey have experienced consecutive reductions, yet consumer complaints are growing due to perceived discrepancies in how these changes are applied.
While fuel price hikes are immediately reflected at gas station signs, price cuts seem to take longer to show up, leaving many consumers frustrated.
The Delay in Price Reductions
For instance, after price hikes for both gasoline and diesel on March 25-26, some gas stations immediately changed their prices, without waiting for official announcements. However, when the most recent price cuts were announced earlier this week, many stations were slow to adjust their signs, raising further suspicions among consumers.
Social Media Outrage
Consumers have taken to social media to voice their discontent. Some are claiming that certain stations cite “system errors” or “no fuel available” as reasons for failing to apply the discounts on time. Posts on social platforms have highlighted frustrations such as, “When the price goes up, it’s reflected immediately.
When there’s a price cut, stations delay the change. Moreover, when we want to buy fuel before a price hike, we’re told ‘fuel is out of stock.’”
Legal Concerns Raised by Consumer Rights Groups
Consumer protection organizations have emphasized that gas stations have no legal grounds to stop selling fuel based on claims of “system failure” or “no stock” during price fluctuations. They stress that consumers’ right to benefit from fuel price reductions cannot be denied. The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) is urged to closely monitor these situations, with consumer groups advising people to gather photographic evidence to support their complaints.
Consumer rights groups also warned that halting fuel sales before price changes, either during a price increase or a reduction, is illegal. They firmly stated, “Fuel price hikes or discounts should not result in consumers being deprived of their right to purchase fuel at the correct price.”
What’s Next?
With fuel price adjustments a constant topic of conversation, Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) is likely to step in and monitor these practices more closely to ensure that fuel stations comply with the rules.
For consumers, staying informed about price changes and documenting any irregularities will be crucial in holding stations accountable.
Source: www.ankarahaberler.com
