Atop an inflation rate stuck at 11%, an urban unemployment rate above 13%, a current account deficit close to 5% of gross domestic product (GDP), a growing budget deficit and a rapidly depreciating currency, Turkey is now being hit by an increase in global energy prices coupled with a rise in prices for metals and minerals.

Turkey relies heavily on imports to meet its energy needs. The same goes for a number of raw materials. Turkey's bill for them is now swelling, not only because of the price increases themselves, but also because of the Turkish lira’s deprecation, which makes the dollar more expensive. Crude oil imports, which represent the bulk of the bill, deserve a closer look.

The upward trend in oil and other commodity prices accelerated in the second half of the year under the impact of various political and economic factors. Among the factors driving oil prices are anticipation of expanded US economic growth through tax cuts, increased output by US refineries and corresponding increases in demand, strong demand from China and concerns over oil supplies fueled by the independence referendum in Iraqi Kurdistan. Tensions in Saudi Arabia, stirred by a roundup of royals accused of corruption and a ballistic missile attack on Riyadh, and a drop in the drilling-rig count in the United States have further compounded the trend.

Crude oil prices, as low as $44 per barrel in November 2016, began to rise in the ensuing months, reaching $55 in February. A reversal brought prices down to $46 in June. Since then, however, prices have shot up again, hitting $57 in September, $60 in October and $65 in November. This represents an increase of nearly 48% over 12 months. In addition to the advent of winter, a potentially stronger global growth trend could sustain the pace of the rise.