Flood of Price Increases Continues; Butter Prices Rise Again

In the ongoing trend of rising prices for essential goods and food items in Iran, media outlets have reported another increase in butter prices. According to reports, the price of butter has risen by 15% over the past three weeks, attributed to the export of this product. The former head of the Tehran Dairy Sellers Union stated that at the beginning of the year, there was a decrease in demand due to a 25% increase in the prices of various dairy products at that time. Ali Rajabi also reported a renewed increase in demand for dairy products, stating: 'This increase in demand stems from the high prices of meat protein and the decline in purchasing power for meat, chicken, and eggs in the country.' This price increase in dairy products occurs while a member of the Industries Commission and Deputy of the Islamic Consultative Assembly stated that dairy products have experienced a 100% price increase over the past year. Behzad Rahimi emphasized that people are currently seeking stability, saying, 'We cannot predict a significant decrease in prices. Household appliances and essential goods should not see further price increases; however, we do not see stability, and prices are continuously rising.' Another member of the Islamic Consultative Assembly also reported on November 6 that the price of bread has increased by over 40% in more than 15 provinces. Salman Ishaqi emphasized that this over 40% increase is being denied by some government officials. On November 18, the newspaper 'Donya-e-Eqtesad' reported that the rental growth rate in Tehran has increased by more than 55% in the first seven months of the year, breaking the 30-year record of rental price increases, which had averaged 24% annually since 1991. Economic policies in the Islamic Republic, including the elimination of the 4200 Toman currency in 2022 and the lack of a clear plan for sustainable development alongside challenging foreign policies that have led to international sanctions against the Islamic Republic, are among the factors that have ultimately reduced people's purchasing power and shrunk their livelihoods. The Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance provided statistics on the distribution of 'Gheymeh'; while government officials are focused on Islamic governance, the people are suffering from poverty. Inflation has struck at the roots of livelihoods; buying half a loaf of bread has become common. Inflation has run amok; the price of canned fish has increased by 87%, and the price of chicken neck has reached 75,000 Tomans in the market. A member of parliament criticized the Raisi government: 'With this approach, they are leading the country to the brink.' Reports from the media indicate endless inflation; workers' share of life is merely watching prices and nothing more.