Tight, decisive monetary stance set to stem inflation: Central Bank head

ANKARA- Anadolu Agency

Turkey’s Central Bank governor on Dec. 16 said the risk of upward inflation will require a tight, decisive monetary policy stance in 2021, adding that it will be tightened if needed.

"We consider it important to raise awareness of the costs our economy and country incur due to inflation," Naci Ağbal told economists and reporters at a videoconference on next year’s monetary and exchange rate policies.

An annual inflation target of 9.4% for end-2021 is the Central Bank’s intermediate target, noted the governor, adding that the bank is sticking to the government target of 5% in the medium term.

Ağbal said monetary policy will be adopted in a simple and understandable framework next year.

He also noted that the bank will not buy or sell foreign currency to determine the level or direction of exchange rates.

Turkey's year-end inflation rate is expected to hit 12.1% for 2020, according to the bank, while under Turkey’s new economic program for 2021-2023, the country’s inflation rate target for this year is 10.5%.

The bank forecasts annual inflation for next year to hit 9.4% before stabilizing to around 5% in the medium term.

Turkey posted a 14.03% annual hike in consumer prices in November, according to TurkStat, the country’s statistical authority.

In a move hailed by markets, Turkey's Central Bank last month raised its one-week repo rate – also known as its policy rate – from 10.25% to 15%, tightening its monetary policy to ensure price stability.

The move also came amid changes in Turkey’s economic administration and pledges of reform.