Turkey’s annual inflation rate dropped below 40 percent in May for the first time in 16 months, pushed down by a temporary offer of free gas to households, official data showed on Monday.
Consumer prices rose by 39.6 percent on an annual basis and were almost stable, at 0.04 percent, compared to the previous month, according to the country’s statistics agency.
However, these official figures — the first since President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was re-elected on May 28 — are challenged by independent economists from Turkey’s Inflation Research Group (ENAG).
Erdogan, who is starting a third term in office, has said tackling inflation is a top priority.—APP
