On Sunday (1 February), Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a reduction in the price of natural gas. Accordingly, households will pay 17 percent less and the industry 18 percent less on their next bills. Speaking in Istanbul, Erdoğan explained that the reduction was a result of the “positive course” world energy prices were taking.

A total increase by 82 percent 

The Chamber of Mechanical Engineers (MMO) has calculated that natural gas prices rose by a total of 82 percent in 2008. The most recent rise was carried out in November, when Botaş, the Turkish Pipeline Corporation, had raised prices by 22 percent.

Back to coal and blankets

The increases have really made themselves felt this winter. Many people in Turkey have reverted back to coal in order to save money, thus increasing air pollution.

Television reporters interviewing people queuing up to pay their natural gas bills are repeatedly being told the same story. People are using less natural gas than last year, making do with wearing more clothes and using blankets, but they are paying more in bills than a year ago. The cost of heating a flat can amount to nearly the same price as the rent.

The Union of Consumers had criticised the fact that Turkey raised natural gas prices at a time when petrol prices were sinking. (EÜ/AG)