Bread prices have surged nationwide in Iran, with Tehran registering hikes of up to 50 percent, state media reported Wednesday, as inflation continues to squeeze household budgets and frustrate bakers.
In the capital, the price of Barbari—a widely consumed semi-flat bread—rose 31 percent to 46,000 rials (about $0.05), while the popular flat bread Taftoon jumped 52 percent to 20,000 rials ($0.02), and Lavash climbed 39 percent to 15,500 rials ($0.017).
Sangak, another staple, was set at 76,000 rials ($0.085), with a 20,000 rial ($0.022) surcharge for sesame toppings.
“The price of Barbari should have increased by at least 52 percent,” said Amir Karamlou, spokesman for Tehran’s traditional bakers’ union, adding that the current hike in the capital falls short of what was approved for other provincial capitals.
Reports from IRGC-linked Fars News highlighted a growing gap between official rates and prices charged by bakeries, which, while struggling to make ends meet, are keeping prices higher than those stipulated by the government.
The hike follows protests in recent months by bakers over cuts to subsidized flour. Some told Iran International they had already been forced to sell Sangak at 100,000 to 200,000 rials ($0.11- $0.22), citing flour shortages and black-market pricing.
Meanwhile, some provinces have yet to formally implement the government's increases, Mehr News reported, citing disputes over pricing authority and scope.
However, with the minimum monthly wage now worth just $120, well below the estimated $400 needed for basic living, the pressure on consumers continues to mount.
At least one third of the country now lives below the poverty line as the country's floundering economy continues to make life in the country ever more difficult.
Iran’s year-on-year inflation rate rose to 41.2% in July, marking the highest level in two years, according to the country’s Statistical Center. The 41.2% figure means households paid over 40% more for the same basket of goods and services compared to July last year.
The figure reflects an increase from 39.4% in June and comes amid a broader surge in prices for essential goods and food items.
The latest consumer price index report, released this week, showed that annual, monthly, and point-to-point inflation all climbed in the fourth month of the Iranian calendar year,which ended on July 22.
