15% Increase in Traditional Bread Prices Starting December 1; Bakeries Begin Overcharging

The head of the Traditional Bakers' Union on Thursday, November 16, described the price increase by state bakeries before the 15% hike takes effect on December 1 as "violations" and warned that violators would be dealt with. According to ISNA news agency, Ghasem Zareatkhar stated, "The new rates have not yet been announced, and bakeries are required to sell bread at the existing rates until then." It was previously announced that, based on a resolution by the Market Regulation Headquarters, traditional bakeries can change their prices after the new rates are announced and starting from December 1 this year. Ali Fazeli, head of the Chamber of Guilds, stated that the Market Regulation Headquarters has agreed to a 15% increase in bread prices. He noted that while unions requested a minimum 30% price increase, the Market Regulation Headquarters agreed to a 15% increase on the condition that the quality of bread improves. Despite this, reports indicate that some bakeries have already begun raising prices prematurely. The head of the Traditional Bakers' Union mentioned that "it is likely that bakeries charging more than the government rate are using free-market flour and, for example, can sell Taftoon bread for up to 700 tomans." Zareatkhar added, "The new rates have not yet been announced, and bakeries are required to sell bread at the existing rates until then." He urged the public to report any such violations to the Chamber of Guilds and the Traditional Bakers' Union until the new rates are announced so that action can be taken against violators. According to Tasnim news agency, bakers have complained about the low price of bread in recent months. The announcement of the price change starting December 1 comes amid reports that "there will be no change in the weight of the bread dough, and the conditions and status of bread production will remain as before." Currently, in traditional bakeries, the price of Sangak bread is 800 tomans, Lavash is 220 tomans, Taftoon is 400 tomans, and Barbari is 800 tomans. According to ISNA, with the 15% increase, the price of Sangak and Barbari bread is expected to rise to 920 tomans, Taftoon to 460 tomans, and Lavash to 250 tomans. For traditional bread baking in Iran, more than 9 million tons of wheat are typically consumed. Bread consumption in Iran has always faced criticism due to inappropriate consumption patterns and high waste. Meanwhile, the website "IANA," which publishes agricultural news in Iran, quoted Kaveh Zargaran, head of the Agricultural Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stating that "the per capita bread consumption of Iranians is much higher than the global average." He noted that "the global average bread consumption is 60 to 70 kilograms per year, while the average consumption in our country has been recorded at 170 kilograms per year."