Fuel price hike sparks anger in Kadirli, where farmers say they may return to oxen

A fuel price increase in Kadirli, a district of Osmaniye province in southern Turkey, has angered drivers and farmers. After petrol rose by 4.15 lira and diesel by 3.60 lira per litre, the price of diesel went above 100 lira per litre. Residents told ANKA News Agency that rising fuel costs were making daily life and work harder.

Farmer: We will hitch the tractor and go back to the old way

Farmers were among the most vocal about the hike. One said they would unhitch their tractors and go back to traditional methods, plowing their fields with a pair of oxen and a horse. He said crops were already not paying off and that the increase had made things worse. He also reacted to claims that inflation was zero.

Another farmer said he owns 150 decares of land but could not plow it because fuel had become too expensive. He said he would plant feed for his animals and leave the rest of his fields empty.

Drivers: I will sell the car and cycle instead

Another resident said he was considering selling his car, would no longer drive it because of diesel prices, and would get around by bicycle. Another said he saw no option but to turn off the engine. A parent said LPG had reached 40 lira per litre and that he would struggle to take his child to and from school.

A retired construction worker said his income no longer covered bills and fuel, so he had taken on extra work. Some residents said that pension increases were being wiped out by higher fuel and other prices.