Sharp Increase in Prices in Iran; Installment Purchases for Nuts and Fruits for Yalda Night

Reports from various media in Iran indicate that the sharp rise in prices and the decrease in people's purchasing power have led to the emergence of 'installment purchases' for consumer goods during Yalda Night, with some reports suggesting that certain income brackets are opting to simplify or even forgo the celebrations. The website 'Economy 100' noted that the dire economic conditions have made it difficult for many families to purchase special fruits and snacks for Yalda Night. The report states: 'For several years, with rising inflation and decreasing purchasing power, many segments of society, especially workers, salaried employees, and retirees, have been unable to celebrate Yalda Night in the traditional manner.' Many people are turning to installment purchases or have decided to celebrate this night in a simpler way. Additionally, the lowest-income groups in Iranian society are bearing the brunt of monthly inflation. Economy 100 also emphasized that the rising costs are impacting Iranian customs and traditions, suggesting that the simplification of celebrations and the elimination of certain traditional elements, such as special purchases and large gatherings, could become a prevailing trend. The newspaper 'Donyaye Eghtesad' reported that the minimum cost of the food basket for Yalda Night, when choosing the cheapest items, reaches 1.7 million tomans, while the maximum cost can go up to 4 million tomans. Donyaye Eghtesad pointed out that this price gap reflects the economic pressure on families and the impact of inflation on ancient traditions, stressing that many are trying to celebrate this night with lower costs as rising prices have made it difficult for some to prepare this basket. The website 'Afkar News' criticized market management in Iran, stating: 'There is still no news from guilds entering the market, and all concerns revert to the price of gasoline, the possibility of bread price increases, and shortages of essential items like dairy products; no one, including government officials, is looking at the Yalda Night market.' According to this news website, in past years, people have never been able to plan their purchases for Yalda Night based on the prices announced in the news, and this year seems to be more complicated than before; celebrating Yalda Night with empty hands under heavy air pollution is a challenge.