Majority of Turks either stopped or cut down gas usage after price hikes: Survey

Duvar English

Some 57.3 percent of Turkish citizens either reduced or completely stopped using natural gas after the recent price hikes introduced by the government, according to a poll by Metropoll Research.

The survey respondents were asked how the government’s increase of prices affected their consumption. 

Some 38.6 percent of the participants said they reduced the usage, while 18.7 percent said they completely stopped using it. Some 26.1 percent said their level of consumption stayed the same. 

The survey results were shared by Metropoll head Özer Sencar on Twitter on March 9.

In another question, the respondents were asked how they view the price increases in their electricity and gas bills.

Some 43.7 percent said they find the increases "exorbitant," while 42.1 percent said they find them "excessive." Only 11.9 percent of respondents found the increases in gas and electricity prices "reasonable."

On the first day of 2022, Turkey increased gas prices by 25 percent and electricity prices by 50-125 percent.

In the face of heavy criticism and decrease in the purchasing power of the Turkish people, the government reduced the value-added tax (VAT) on electricity used in residences and agricultural irrigation to 8% from 18%.

Turkey's annual inflation jumped to 54.44% in February, according to official the Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK), while independent research group ENAG put the figure at 123.80%.

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