New official figures show that Iranian families are spending 46% more on the same products and services compared to last year. According to the state-run Borna News Agency, a report published by the Statistical Center of Iran on November 21 shows the country’s year on year inflation has reached 4.46%. This means urban families spent 45% more while rural families spent 50% more on products and services compared to last year.
According to the report, the annual inflation rate for the Persian month of Aban (Oct. 22- Nov. 20) has reached 29%. This rate refers to the percentage change in the average price index numbers in a year ending in the month in question, compared to the same period last year.
Highest price increase on foodstuff
The November report by the Statistical Center of Iran said foodstuff, beverages and tobacco had increased by 56%, the highest price increase compared to other goods.
The highest priced items were vegetables such as tomatoes and onions, as well protein sources including red meat and poultry. Cooking oils have also increased in price.
According to the figures, bread and grains have increased by 60% compared to last year.
In the past weeks, state-media reported food shortages such as the scarcity of bread, butter, and cooking oils.
According to the Statistical Center of Iran, the inflation rate for clothing and footwear was 43%, and 55% for furniture and home appliances. The inflation rate for healthcare and sanitary items was 34% and over 96% for transportation.
Last year in August 2019, Iran hit its highest inflation rate in the past 23 years of the clerical regime. In late October this year, a former Iranian politician said people were under severe pressure due to unemployment, wage cuts, and unconstrained inflation. According to Trading Economics, Iran had the fifth highest inflation rate in the world in October.
Poverty in Iran
There have been several reports in the past months on state-run media about the increase of daily living expenses and poverty in Iran.
According to official figures published in October, half of Iran’s population live in absolute poverty. The report published by the Statistical Center of Iran also said Iranians were not able to buy basic groceries. Average Iranians eat 52% less red meat, while those with lower incomes eat 65% less red meat compared to last year, the report said. Iranians are also eating 34% less rice, the country’s staple food.
The current poverty line in Iran is 10 million tomans (around $385), while the absolute poverty line is 6.8 million tomans (around $262), which puts 50% of the Iranian population under the line of “absolute poverty”.
