The hunger limit increased to 9,425 TL in February, and the poverty line increased to 30,700 TL.
According to the results of the TÜRK-İŞ Survey of February 2023, the monthly food expenditure necessary for a family of 4, known as the hunger limit, to have a healthy, balanced and adequate diet has increased to TL 9,425.15.
The poverty line, which is the total amount spent on food and other mandatory monthly expenses for clothing, housing (rent, electricity, water, fuel), transportation, education, health, and similar needs, increased to TL 30,700.83 .
The hunger limit increased to 8,864 TL last month, exceeding the minimum wage of 8,500 TL. February’s inflation caused the gap between the minimum wage and the hunger limit to widen.
FEBRUARY FOOD INFLATION
The monthly inflation of the kitchen was 6.32 percent, the annual inflation of the kitchen was 107 percent. According to TÜRK-İŞ data, the change in ‘kitchen inflation’ was as follows in February 2023:
*The increase in the minimum amount of spending required by a family of four living in Ankara for “food” was 6.32 percent compared to the previous month.
*The two-month exchange rate was 15.92 percent.
*From the last twelve months, the variation rate was 107.02%.
*The exchange rate was calculated at 112.87 percent based on twelve-month averages.
CHANGE IN FOOD PRODUCTS
According to prices based on TÜRK-İŞ calculation and compiled directly from the market, the observed change in food products as of February 2023 was as follows according to spending groups:
* The prices of all products in the milk, yogurt and cheese group increased. The increase in milk was estimated at 6 percent and in cheese at 5 percent. The price increase on yogurt was at a lower level.
* In the group that includes meat, chicken, fish, eggs, legumes, oilseeds;
The meat products of this group have increased. In one month, beef rose 19 percent, lamb 9 percent, fish 5 percent, and chicken 8 percent. Among legumes, chickpeas increased 5 percent, dry beans 14 percent, and green lentils 4 percent. The price of red lentils decreased by 4 percent. The average price of oilseeds remained stable this month.
* In the bread and cereal group, rice increased 6 percent, bulgur 10 percent and grits 5 percent compared with the previous month. While the price of pasta and bread did not change, the price of flour decreased by 5 percent.
* Considering the fresh fruits and vegetables group, prices for green onions such as green onions, lettuce, and leafy greens such as leeks and cabbage decreased this month. The potatoes continued to be sold at 12.5 TL. The price of dried onion per kg exceeded 15 TL. The average price per kg of vegetables was 20.3 TL, and the average price per kg of fruit was 19.29 TL.
* The price of sunflower oil and margarine decreased slightly in the essential oils product group. Olive oil rose 4 percent and butter 9 percent.
* Among the foods in the last group, spices are 3 percent, tea 3 percent, tomato paste 5 percent, olives 6 percent, honey 13 percent, molasses 16 percent; honey increased 27 percent and jam 5 percent. While the average price of sugar decreased slightly, the price of salt and linden remained stable.