Publication of the Undernourishment and Poverty Level Survey in Turkey: August 2021

Every month the Memur-sen Confederation produces a study entitled: "Undernourishment and Poverty Levels Survey in Turkey". According to this study, the undernourishment level for a family of four is estimated at 2,909.90 TL (350 usd), while the poverty level is 8263.1 TL (995 usd).  

Food products

According to the study conducted by the Memur-Sen confederation for the month of August 2021, the average price of foods products increased by +3.09% compared to the month of July 2021.

Among the most striking increases in the month of July, we note the price of cucumbers: +56.3%, zucchini: +43.85%, lemons: +36.14%, green beans: +32.79, watermelons: +21.74%. On the other hand, among the most significant decreases are; potatoes: -7.15%, tomatoes: -6.22% and dried beans: -5.19%.

Transports

The study determined an average increase of + 1.75% in transport prices in August compared to July. Among the most striking price increases compared to July are the fares of intercity trains: +15.49%, car rentals: +5.72%. However, a decrease was observed in intercity bus fares, with a drop of: -2,49%.

Education

While the average price of educational materials increased by + 1.47%, among the most significant increases were the average price of cultural trips/tourist tours of one week or more, up +8.51%, the average price of cultural trips/tourist tours organized during the weekend, up +4.82%. On the other hand, the study found a decrease in the average price of digital tablets by -3.65% and the average prices of educational and cultural items, down -1.38%.

Cleaning and personal care products

An average increase of +3.46% was observed in the prices of cleaning and personal care items. Among the most striking increases in August, we note the price of skin care items, with an increase of +12%. However, a decrease of 1.25% was observed in the average price of oral care products.

Textile/Clothing

Compared to last month, the study reported an average increase in the textile/clothing category of: +0.41%. Among the most striking price increases were sweaters: +8.96%, socks: +3.41%, dry cleaning: +2.2%. On the other hand, a decrease was observed in the prices of clothing items with a decrease of -3.84%, the most striking decreases were seen in prices of shirts: - 3.44% and slippers with a decrease of -3.11%.

Health

While an average price increase of+0.82% was observed for healthcare items compared to last month, the most striking changes were seen in hospital bed rates by +3.39%. On the other hand, the average price of laboratory analysis fees decreased by -2.04%.

Communication items

Compared to last month, the average price of communication items increased by: +0.91%. It was observed that the most striking changes in the prices of communication items were in the prices of spare parts for telephones with an increase of 2.22%.However, the study found that the average price of telephone calls decreased by: -0.34%.

Environment/construction materials/decoration

The study found an average increase of +0.64% in the price of heating materials, as well as an increase in the price of water of: +2.49%.

The study also observed an increase of +1.19% in the average price of building materials. Among the most significant increases, we note that of flooring materials / walls: +5.32%. On the other hand, the average price of lighting items did not change in August compared to July.