Post-Earthquake Price Hikes on Tents and Emergency Gear Spark Outrage in Türkiye
earthquake
The 6.2 magnitude earthquake off Silivri, which rattled Istanbul and surrounding regions, not only sparked widespread fear but also triggered a sharp surge in demand for emergency supplies. Citizens poured into the streets overnight, with many spending the night in parks, cars, or tents—a reflection of growing anxiety over seismic risks.
In the aftermath, online platforms saw a spike in sales of tents and earthquake emergency kits. However, what began as a public safety response quickly turned into a wave of opportunistic price hikes, drawing public backlash and government scrutiny.
Emergency Supply Prices Skyrocket Within Hours
As reported by NTV, price changes on e-commerce sites were near-instantaneous. One emergency bag that was listed at 373 TRY before the quake, jumped to 465 TRY the next day. Similarly, a first aid kit previously priced at 219 TRY was later seen at 389.50 TRY.
Tent Prices Also Surge with Rising Demand
Tents—an essential shelter option in emergency scenarios—were also affected. A 10-person, two-room tent, which had been priced at 8,711 TRY, increased to 9,480 TRY within a single day.
This pattern of real-time price inflation on life-saving items has raised alarm bells about exploitative practices in the midst of public distress.
Real Estate Market Reacts to Seismic Anxiety
The earthquake’s ripple effects weren’t limited to consumer goods. Istanbul’s real estate sector experienced sudden movement, with a surge in interest for properties in geologically stable zones. Concerns over opportunistic pricing also surfaced in this sector.
In response, Deputy Trade Minister Mahmut Gürcan issued a clear warning:
“No behavior that aims to exploit citizens in this vulnerable period will be tolerated,” Gürcan said, pledging that the Ministry is monitoring sale and rental listings closely.
He emphasized that strict administrative actions will be taken against individuals and institutions engaged in unfair price hikes, adding that these would be enforced immediately and decisively.
Government Targets Post-Quake Price Manipulation
The Trade Ministry has launched an active enforcement campaign targeting e-commerce platforms and real estate listings to prevent post-disaster profiteering. As public demand for emergency preparedness grows, officials aim to curb exploitative pricing behavior that could deepen public suffering.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of regulation and ethical business conduct, especially during natural disasters that test both infrastructure and collective resilience.