Rising Prices of Goods Cast Shadow on Nowruz Celebrations in Iran

With Nowruz – the Persian New Year – just around the corner, Iranians are bracing themselves for surging consumer goods prices that could spoil the festivities.

Iranian media reports highlight a significant increase in prices compared to last year, forcing many to prioritize essential items and food over traditional celebratory purchases.

The Etemad newspaper quoted concerns about the coincidence of Ramadan with "a significant increase in consumer goods prices." 

Similarly, the Ettelaat newspaper reported a drastic drop in the traditional Naan Chai sweets sale in Qazvin, with orders plummeting from 40 kg to just 5 kg daily.

The cost of setting a traditional Nowruz table, known as the Haftsin, is estimated to be "over half a million tomans [$10]" this year. 

Including a simple meal with vegetables and fish, the total cost could reach "one million and 60 thousand tomans [$19]" for the average household. Meanwhile, the average monthly salary for a laborer is less than $100. 

Adding to the financial pressure, the Tehran City Council recently announced a public transportation fare increase. 

The cost of using the metro, express buses, and regular buses will rise by 16 percent, 21 percent, and 30 percent, respectively.

Reports from Semnan province further illustrate the rising cost of living. Essential items like dates and lentils have recently seen significant price hikes. 

To make matters worse, differences between the prices set by authorities and the actual prices in markets are making people's lives harder.

Mehr news agency highlights the example of mixed veal meat; whereas the official price is 500,000 tomans [$8.3] per kilogram, butcher shops charge at least 560,000 tomans [$9.3].

The Etemad newspaper captured the growing public anxiety in an article titled "Rising Costs, Inflation, and Unemployment Strain Public Nerves, Don't Squeeze the People Further." 

The article criticizes a lack of explicit action from authorities to address the economic hardship and rising social pressure on citizens.

The price surge could spoil what is typically a joyous and festive occasion.