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Turkey’s Food Inflation Hits Two-Year High in February: TEGE Rises 6.74%

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Data released by the Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkey (TEPAV) show that Turkey’s monthly food inflation surged to 6.74% in February 2026, marking the highest monthly increase in the past two years. Annual food inflation stood at 33.8%, while the Northern Cyprus index recorded a more moderate 1.24% monthly rise.

Sharp Monthly Increase in Food Prices

According to the February 1–25, 2026 data compiled under TEPAV’s Food Price Index (TEGE), monthly food inflation was calculated at 6.74%. This represents the steepest monthly food price increase recorded in the past two years.

Other official institutions have not yet published their February food inflation figures, placing TEGE at the forefront of early price trend indicators.

The sharp rise in food prices is likely to be closely monitored by policymakers and markets, as food inflation remains a key driver of headline consumer inflation in Türkiye.

Products With the Fastest Price Increases and Declines

Price movements in February varied significantly across product categories.

Products With the Sharpest Price Declines

  • Cabbage

  • Oranges

  • Kiwi

  • Spices

Fresh fruit and vegetable prices showed mixed trends, with cabbage and citrus prices easing during the month.

Products With the Fastest Price Increases

  • Other fresh pepper varieties

  • Charleston peppers

  • Zucchini

  • Kashar cheese

  • Butter

  • Ayran (yogurt-based drink)

Vegetables, particularly pepper varieties and zucchini, recorded strong price gains. Outside the fresh produce category, dairy products — especially cheese and butter — saw notable increases.

Meanwhile, prices for sunflower oil and canned fish declined.

Annual Food Inflation at 33.8%

On an annual basis, food inflation reached 33.8% in February 2026 according to TEGE calculations.

The strong monthly momentum suggests that food prices may continue to exert upward pressure on annual inflation in the coming months, depending on seasonal patterns, exchange rate developments, and supply conditions.

Food inflation remains politically and economically sensitive in Türkiye, as it directly affects household purchasing power and inflation expectations.

Northern Cyprus Food Inflation Slows

Under the KKTC-TEGE index, which tracks food prices in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), monthly food inflation was measured at 1.24% for the February 1–25 period.

This brought food inflation in Northern Cyprus back below 2% on a monthly basis, highlighting a divergence in price dynamics between Türkiye and the TRNC.

Inflation Expectations and Unemployment: The Facts

Outlook

The 6.74% monthly increase signals renewed volatility in food markets at the start of 2026. Key factors to watch in the coming months include:

  • Seasonal agricultural supply conditions

  • Exchange rate movements

  • Energy and logistics costs

  • Domestic demand trends

Upcoming official inflation releases will determine whether February’s surge represents a temporary spike or the beginning of a broader upward trend in food prices.

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