Turkey's government is contemplating a significant increase in beer prices, with an estimated rise of between 17% and 23%, as part of a broader strategy to impose higher taxes on alcohol and cigarettes, a move criticized by the main opposition party as an imposition of Islamic values. Since its election in 2002, the government has consistently raised taxes on these products at a rate exceeding consumer price inflation. The proposed price hike could make beer culture in Turkey unsustainable, given that the cheapest half-litre bottle currently costs just over $1.5, which is nearly as much as the daily minimum wage. The government plans to announce the new taxes in time for their implementation in early July, alongside potential increases in the costs of other alcoholic beverages and cigarettes, as well as stricter regulations on alcohol sales licenses.