September 15, 2023
Bread prices have jumped astoundingly in half the country’s provinces prompting demands for the regime to do something.
Majlis Deputy Salman Es’haqi said, “Denial by some politicians notwithstanding, the reality is stark. Bread prices have increased by more than 40 percent in more than 15 [of Iran’s 31] provinces. This has sparked significant public dismay and concern.”
Es’haqi also voiced concerns over potential shortages of other essential commodities. “The scarcity of [baby] formula has already escalated into a crisis in some provinces. Moreover, if negligence persists in managing the supply of medicines, we could confront shortages during the autumn and winter.”
The Mehr news agency has now raised concerns about possible bread price increases in several regions, including the capital.
In late July, Ahmed Keshtgar, head of the Mashhad Bakers Union, announced a 40 percent bread price increase in Khorasan Razavi province. Interior Minister Ahmed Vahidi downplayed the bread price increase as mere speculation.
In early July, Mohammad Jalal, director of the Flour and Bread Subsidy Smart Plan, announced that the decisions on bread prices would be devolved on provincial authorities.
Amidst these developments, the Jahan Sanat newspaper reported that some workers, including bus drivers, have used rising bread prices to justify raising the rates they charge for their services.