TURKSTAT Announces May Inflation Figures – Annual Rate at 35.41%
The Turkish Statistical Institute (TÜİK) has released the eagerly awaited inflation data for May 2025. According to the announcement, monthly inflation for May was 1.53%, bringing the annual inflation rate to 35.41%.
Monthly Inflation Breakdown (2025)
- January: 5.03%
- February: 2.27%
- March: 2.46%
- April: 3.00%
- May: 1.53%
ISTANBUL Retail Prices Rise Sharply
The Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (İTO) also published data for the city’s retail inflation in May. The Istanbul Consumer Price Index rose by 2.83% compared to April. On an annual basis, retail prices in Istanbul increased by 46.57%, based on the ITO’s 2023=100 index.
Independent ENAG Data: Major Discrepancy
The Inflation Research Group (ENAG), an independent organization that tracks inflation, reported a much higher monthly inflation rate of 3.66% for May. According to ENAG, annual inflation reached 71.23%, highlighting a 35.82-point gap between their figures and TÜİK’s official statistics.
Economists’ Expectations vs. Reality
Prior to TÜİK’s announcement, AA Finans conducted a survey with 23 economists:
- Average monthly inflation expectation: 2.10%
- Expected range: 1.80% – 2.75%
- Expected annual inflation drop: From 37.86% to around 36.17%
In contrast, Reuters had forecasted a monthly inflation rate of 2.00%, driven by rising clothing and fruit prices, with the annual rate expected to decline to 36.1%.
End-of-Year Projections
Economists predict that Turkey’s year-end inflation for 2025 may settle at around 31.17%, although current trends and discrepancies between data sources continue to raise questions about inflation dynamics in the country.
Key Figures (May 2025)
- TÜİK Monthly Inflation: 1.53%
- TÜİK Annual Inflation: 35.41%
- ENAG Monthly Inflation: 3.66%
- ENAG Annual Inflation: 71.23%
- İstanbul (İTO) Monthly Retail Inflation: 2.83%
- İstanbul Annual Retail Inflation: 46.57%
The wide gap between TÜİK and ENAG figures continues to fuel debate over inflation measurement methods and the real cost of living experienced by citizens.
