Red Meat Prices Rise Again; Boneless Lamb Loin Reaches One Million Tomans

The price of red meat in the Tehran market has seen a significant increase, with some items reaching unprecedented rates. According to a report by Eghtesad Online, the price of boneless lamb loin has reached one million tomans per kilogram in Tehran stores. Additionally, lamb fillet has set a record as the most expensive part of red meat at one million 800 thousand tomans. Meanwhile, beef items such as beef fillet at 920 thousand tomans and beef shank at 490 thousand tomans are also considered expensive. It is noteworthy that prices in online stores are significantly higher than those announced by the lamb meat union. The recent rise in red meat prices has raised considerable concerns among consumers, with economic experts citing supply shortages, increased livestock farming costs, and currency market fluctuations as reasons for this price hike. Previous reports indicate that red meat prices in Iran have been on an upward trend in recent years. In Bahman 1402, data from the Statistical Center of Iran showed that red meat had the highest price increase among 10 essential food items, with an inflation rate of 93 percent. Furthermore, in Azar 1402, the head of the lamb meat union stated that livestock shortages were the main cause of this price increase. The continuous rise in red meat prices has led to a decrease in consumption of this food item among Iranian households. According to the latest published reports, there has been a decline in per capita red meat consumption among Iranian households. This decrease in consumption could have negative consequences for public health, as red meat is one of the main sources of protein and essential nutrients. A review of reports published in Iranian media indicates that in recent months, the food basket has experienced a new inflation rate of at least 30 percent, and recently, a 25 percent increase in intercity bus ticket prices has been approved. According to this data, one-third of food items last year saw price increases between 30 to 50 percent, and a quarter of them experienced increases of over 50 percent. Some independent experts believe that Iran's economic conditions, especially if sanctions continue, could worsen, leading to increased inflation and reduced access to essential goods. A member of the Animal Science Research Institute stated that the price of meat has increased by 150 percent due to the removal of the 4200 toman currency. The price of meat has increased by 20 percent, with market stagnation in the final days of the year. Claims of 'self-sufficiency' by government officials are overshadowed by empty tables of the people. A quarter of food items are facing inflation rates of over 50 percent. The real value of workers' wages in Iran is only 86 dollars per month.