Fire extinguisher prices in Turkey rise 43 pct in a week after deadly hotel fire

International news
Aydın Ağaoğlu, chair of Turkey's Consumer Confederation, stated that following the fatal hotel fire, there has been a steep increase in the prices of fire safety products and noted that fire extinguisher prices have risen by 43% in just one week.

Consumer Confederation President Aydın Ağaoğlu criticized this exploitation, stating it poses a threat to public safety. He urged those witnessing such price hikes to report them to the Trade Ministry.

Highlighting the importance of penalizing profiteering on items like fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, Ağaoğlu revealed that prices have increased by 43%.

Ağaoğlu also pointed out that similar price hikes were seen during the pandemic on products like masks and disinfectants. He added, "According to Article 237 of the Turkish Penal Code, actions that lead to price increases or decreases can result in imprisonment for up to three years."

Ağaoğlu emphasized that consumers should be cautious not only about exorbitant price hikes but also about the quality of safety equipment. "Another unethical practice is that some may fill fire extinguishers with marble dust instead of chemical powder. This reduces their functionality during a fire," he said.