Meat prices in north Cyprus hit record levels: Exceeds 1,000 per KG

The warnings of Butchers’ Union President Reşit Şenkaya have materialized as beef prices in the market soar to unprecedented levels.

The retail price of beef has climbed to between ₺1,000 and ₺1,100 per kilogram, with projections suggesting it could reach ₺1,500 after the upcoming elections.

KTEZO General Coordinator Hürrem Tulga confirmed the trend, stressing that beef prices have now overtaken lamb, a rare development in the domestic meat market.

According to sector data, the price of live beef, which stood at ₺200 per kilogram in June, has surged to ₺300 per kilogram today. This sharp increase has been reflected on supermarket shelves and butcher counters. While diced beef is currently sold between ₺1,000–₺1,100, ground beef varies between ₺900–₺1,000, depending on fat content. Meanwhile, leg chops are priced at ₺880 per kilogram.

Early Warnings Prove Accurate

On September 3, during Canan Onurer’s Sabah Postası program on Kıbrıs Postası, Butchers’ Union President Reşit Şenkaya had warned that beef would soon exceed ₺1,000 per kilogram and could climb to ₺1,500 after the elections. His forecasts now appear to be unfolding step by step.

Tulga: “Meat Demand Cannot Be Met”

KTEZO General Coordinator Hürrem Tulga underlined that both cattle and sheep supplies are insufficient to meet domestic demand, which in turn fuels soaring prices. He pointed out a decline in the availability of slaughter-ready cattle, a situation that has created conditions for a black market.

Tulga noted ongoing tensions between butchers and livestock farmers, stressing that producers are operating under deep uncertainty, exacerbated by a shortage of animal feed such as barley. “Farmers are obliged to sell their livestock,” he said, adding that any surplus should be placed in cold storage. He called on the government to establish the necessary infrastructure to stabilize the sector.

“Imported Meat Back on the Agenda”
Highlighting that beef prices have risen by 50 percent in the last two months, Tulga criticized the lack of long-term planning: “We continue to shoot ourselves in the foot.” He confirmed that the option of meat imports has returned to the public agenda.