Tomato Prices Reach 70,000 Tomans; Tomato's Dominance in the Produce Market

Iranian media reported an increase in tomato prices to over 70,000 tomans per kilogram. The Fars News Agency quoted the Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Akbar Fathi, stating, "It will become cheaper, do not buy." The agency noted that Fathi responded to the 70,000 toman price by saying, "The supply of tomatoes will increase domestically from mid-December, and prices will decrease." Fars emphasized that tomato prices have risen significantly in recent weeks, with an average price of 35,000 tomans per kilogram in fruit and vegetable markets and up to 70,000 tomans in city shops. Reports indicate that in the past three weeks, tomato prices have surged, with media recently announcing that in the Mashhad market, the price reached about 18,000 tomans per individual tomato. Experts attribute this price increase to production issues and climatic impacts, including early cold and summer heat, which have reduced the area under tomato cultivation. In recent months, the prices of all food items have significantly increased due to various factors, including government regulations. Tomatoes in Mashhad reached 18,000 tomans each, continuing the rise in essential goods prices; the people's food basket is getting smaller and smaller. Sales rationing in government centers; chicken prices reached 100,000 tomans. Prices differ from what people say to the government narrative; inflation is rampant.