TRNC Ministry of Economy begins checks on stationery and fire extinguisher prices in Lefkoşa and Girne

The TRNC Ministry of Economy and Energy has begun price inspections across the market. Inspectors are focusing on the prices of stationery and fire extinguishers, which are required to be kept in every vehicle; the first inspections took place in Lefkoşa and Girne.

The inspections are being carried out on the instructions of Economy and Energy Minister Hasan Taçoy, who took charge of the ministry during a reshuffle in the TRNC government. The ministry said that inspections would continue in other cities throughout the week and would cover new groups of goods.

Retail outlets are being asked to provide official documents showing their purchase prices. Once these documents have been obtained, legal measures will be taken against businesses if necessary.

Taçoy said that the ministry had made market and price controls a priority immediately after he took office, as this was the main expectation of citizens. According to him, complaints concerned supermarkets and essential goods, and the ministry responded without delay.

The aim of the inspections is to ensure price stability in the market, the minister said: free-market conditions must not turn into an uncontrolled space, and the state is obliged to act in the interests of citizens. Inspections will be carried out continuously and across various product categories; citizens were urged to report violations.