Don't quite understand how they can be independent and have prices set by the government

They're either independent or they're not. Basic rule of economics, you lower the price, you sell more and so increase your profit. The only time you keep your prices high is to make it exclusive. Why you would do that in an airport is beyond me

I would never ever buy food or drink in the airport on principle, unless I was desperate and had a delay of a few hours and needed liquids and this has been only since you can't take the liquids through with you. I take a few of the little bottles that you're allowed through with me though. I also take lamaçun with me from Nefis Pide so we don't need to buy food there either.
Even the duty free is expensive. The perfume that I use was £68 in Cardiff on the way out and £80 in Dalaman. The annoying bit is that the exchange rate had gone up quite a bit while we were there so the price should have been less than £68. So no longer will they even get cash from me for their duty free
