Rising Food Prices in Iran; Red Meat and Canned Fish Lead the Price Surge

Official media in Iran reported on the food market, stating that the price of each kilogram of 'sheep shoulder' has risen to 573,000 tomans and each 900 grams of chicken breast has reached 130,000 tomans. The website 'Shahrvand' reported that each 900 grams of chicken breast costs 130,000 tomans and each kilogram of ready-to-cook chicken is now 200,000 tomans. Previously, ILNA news agency reported on August 17 that with the price of each kilogram of red meat surpassing 550,000 tomans, the composition of workers' food baskets has become 'starch-based.' The price of a dozen eggs has also reached 160,000 tomans. In response to the rising prices of this protein product, the 'Iran Watch' website noted that most shopkeepers attribute this increase to the Arbaeen pilgrimage and the export of eggs to Iraq for pilgrims. Reports indicate that the average price of each kilogram of cheese has exceeded 120,000 tomans, with the price of each kilogram of Lighvan cheese reported at 367,000 tomans. A recent review of the latest report from the Statistical Center of Iran shows that in August of this year, the point-to-point inflation rate for households in the country was 39.8%. Additionally, inflation for the 12 months ending in August has increased by 46.7% compared to the same period last year. It is worth noting that the official statistics of the Islamic Republic are often questioned by experts regarding their accuracy. On September 7, ILNA reported on the status of inflation and household economies, stating that the minimum livelihood basket, including housing costs in Tehran, exceeds 23 million tomans, while in industrial metropolitan areas such as Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz, it ranges between 20 to 22 million tomans. This is while the government of Ebrahim Raisi claims to have reduced inflation and improved economic indicators. In response to rising prices and the emptying of people's tables, the spokesperson for the thirteenth government claimed on Thursday, July 27, that Ebrahim Raisi does not 'sleep at night' due to the high prices. The narrative of a news agency about inflation and household economies; the livelihood basket of Tehran residents has surpassed 23 million tomans. Workers' livelihoods continue to suffer due to the non-implementation of laws; 5,900 businesses in Iran have not implemented job classifications. Protests over livelihoods continue in Iran; telecommunications retirees gathered in 12 provinces. The oil company is a major creditor of the government; the government's debt has increased by 61%.