The cost of living in Iran, especially for working-class families, has reached a staggering state. The Iran Open Data platform reported on November 20 that the price of each egg in the fall of 2023 has surpassed 5,000 tomans. If the price of Sangak bread is considered to be between 3,000 to 5,000 tomans, the cost of a meal of fried eggs for a family of three (including 8 eggs and 2 Sangak breads) reaches nearly 50,000 tomans. According to the approved law, the minimum income for a simple worker with one child in 2023 is less than 7.5 million tomans per month or 250,000 tomans per day, which must cover housing costs, utilities, and essential expenses including food. The latest household expenditure and income survey data shows that on average, 20 to 46 percent of an urban household's expenses are allocated to food and groceries, with low-income families being at the higher end of this spectrum (the average food budget share for the bottom three deciles: 40 percent of total household expenses). Thus, a family of three on the minimum wage of a simple worker can spend up to 100,000 tomans on food. With the minimum wage, they can only afford two meals of eggs and bread per day. According to the Iran Open Data report, the current price of a serving of kebab in southern and central Tehran ranges from 120,000 to 200,000 tomans. This means that a working-class family of three must go without food for 3 to 4 days to afford two servings of kebab for one meal. They want to survive; 70 percent of workers have a second job. Media reported on 'absolute misery'; eggs have become the only food for workers. A government-affiliated news agency acknowledged that workers' wages cover only 40 percent of living expenses. Economic experts warn that public discontent is rising due to livelihood issues. The surge in prices continues; butter has become expensive again. Bread prices are still on the rise; a 40 percent increase in 15 provinces.
Iran Open Data Report: The Cost of a Serving of Chelo Kebab is Twice the Daily Food Expense of a Worker
The cost of living in Iran has dramatically increased, particularly affecting working-class families. The price of basic food items like eggs and bread has surged, making it difficult for families to afford meals. This situation highlights the growing economic distress and public dissatisfaction among workers.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The cost of living in Iran has surged, with basic food items becoming unaffordable for working-class families. A report indicates that the price of essential goods like eggs and bread has increased significantly, leading to widespread economic distress.
- The price of eggs has surpassed 5,000 tomans, and a meal for a family of three costs nearly 50,000 tomans.
- Workers' wages cover only 40% of living expenses, forcing many to take on multiple jobs.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran has been facing economic challenges due to sanctions, mismanagement, and inflation, leading to a significant decline in living standards for many citizens.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%