Turkey’s annual inflation rate fell to 30.89 percent in December, down from 44.38 percent a year earlier, according to data released on Monday by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). The decline marks one of the sharpest slowdowns in price growth in recent years.
Lower inflation figures clash with public perception © Mena Today
Turkey’s annual inflation rate fell to 30.89 percent in December, down from 44.38 percent a year earlier, according to data released on Monday by the Turkish Statistical Institute (TUIK). The decline marks one of the sharpest slowdowns in price growth in recent years.
On an annual average basis, inflation eased to 34.88 percent in 2025, its lowest level in four years, compared with 58.51 percent in 2024, the institute said. Despite the improvement, inflation has remained above 30 percent on a year-on-year basis since November 2021.
While overall inflation has slowed, price increases remain uneven across sectors. TUIK data show that education costs rose by more than 66 percent over the past year, making it the fastest-growing category. Housing expenses followed with an increase of 49.5 percent, while food prices climbed 28.31 percent and healthcare costs rose by around 31 percent.
These figures highlight the continued strain on household budgets, particularly for essential services.
Government Targets Single-Digit Inflation by 2027
Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz said last month that inflation is expected to fall below 20 percent by the end of 2026, with the government aiming to return to single-digit inflation in 2027. Authorities argue that tighter monetary policy and fiscal discipline are beginning to show results.
However, the official figures are disputed by the independent research group ENAG, which estimates that inflation reached 56.14 percent in December 2025 on an annual basis. According to ENAG, consumer prices rose 2.11 percent in December alone, significantly higher than the official reading.
The main opposition party, the Republican People’s Party (CHP), also rejected the official data. In a statement, the party said that while inflation may be falling “on paper,” everyday life tells a different story.
“According to official figures, inflation appears to be declining, but in citizens’ kitchens, the cost of living is not easing,” the party said. “Prices may be stabilizing statistically, but purchasing power continues to collapse.”
As Turkey heads into 2026, the gap between official data and public perception remains a central challenge for policymakers seeking to restore economic confidence.
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