Competition Authority initiates investigation for red meat price increase

Even according to the latest inflation data announced by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK), beef, which increased 19.9 percent compared to the previous month and 60 percent since the beginning of the year, boosted the Competition Authority.

According to the information obtained, the Authority has closely followed the price increases in the red meat sector in recent days.

Institutional experts also began to conduct research and observations on the red meat market.

The experts carry out investigations in the large breeders that operate in the market and in the large commercial centers of red meat. In this context, research is carried out in places like Kırşehir, Polatlı, Istanbul and Sakarya, where there are large breeders.

Institutional experts solicited information from industry stakeholders, non-governmental organizations and private sector representatives, as well as relevant regulatory bodies.

As part of the preliminary examination, it is investigated whether there was a speculative price increase or a supply restriction before Eid al-Fitr. Therefore, it is intended to determine if the slaughter of cattle is deliberately delayed in anticipation of a price increase.

The Competition Authority carried out a similar review of the sector about a year ago.

THE INVESTIGATION CAN BE OPENED

In accordance with the legislation of the Competition Authority, an investigative decision can be made prior to request or ex officio.

The rapporteur, who is assigned to carry out a preliminary investigation, notifies the Competition Board in writing within 30 days of the information he has obtained, all kinds of evidence and his opinion on the subject.

The Board, within 10 days after delivery of the preliminary investigation report, evaluates the information and decides whether or not to open an investigation.

WORKS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT FOR THE REAL ESTATE SECTOR

The Competition Authority had started a similar study for the real estate sector. After the earthquakes in Kahramanmaraş, the institution decided to open a preliminary investigation to determine whether real estate agents and brokers operating in Ankara violated competition by jointly pricing real estate sales and rental rates. (AA)