October 2, 2026

Private university tuition fees recorded the largest retail price increase in Istanbul in September, rising 55.21%, while plums saw the steepest decline at 28.32%, according to data from the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO).

ITO, which tracks retail prices in Istanbul, reported that prices increased for 207 of the 336 main items monitored in September. Prices fell for 43 items, while 86 items remained unchanged.

Education Costs Top the List

Education-related expenses led the monthly price increases as schools reopened and the new academic year began.

Private high school fees rose 50.51%, while private primary school fees increased 48.72%. School uniforms became 26.70% more expensive, and children’s trousers rose 24.30%.

Outside education, eggplant prices increased by 22.85%, fuel prices by 20.66%, mobile phones by 10.49%, and gasoline-powered cars by 8.35%.

Plums See the Sharpest Price Drop

The end of the summer season brought significant price declines for some fruits and vegetables. Plums recorded the largest monthly drop at 28.32%, followed by grapes, car rentals, green peppers, hot peppers and onions.

As the holiday season came to an end, intercity bus fares declined by 6.89%, while airfares fell by 6.45% in September.

Source: Patronlar Dünyası/ Prepared by: İlayda Gök