Studies show that the cost of providing essential food items for a family of four in May 2026 exceeded 210 million rials (approximately $117), accounting for 71.5% of the minimum wage. The figure was 53.9% in May 2025, indicating increasing pressure on the living standards of low-income households.
The state-run Donya-e-Eqtesad newspaper reported on Sunday, June 7, that if inflation continues to rise and the minimum wage remains unchanged in 2026, the entire monthly income of minimum-wage earners could be consumed by food expenses in the coming months.
Experts Warn About Declining Dairy Consumption and the Risk of Expanding Malnutrition in Iran
According to the report, if the government food voucher program is eliminated, the share of food expenses in the minimum wage of a four-person household would rise to 82.7%.
Donya-e-Eqtesad, citing data from the Statistical Center of Iran, reported that inflation for food and beverages in May was approximately 130% compared to the same period a year earlier.
However, calculations based on the basket of 11 essential goods used in the food voucher program show that inflation for these items reached 144.8%.
By comparison, the minimum wage of the head of a four-person household increased by only about 60% compared to last year.
Including the value of food vouchers, the increase in total household income exceeds 84%, a figure that still falls far short of the 144.8% rise in the prices of essential goods.
Surge in Essential Goods Prices; Cooking Oil Leads the Increase
According to Donya-e-Eqtesad, after covering food expenses, less than 30% of the minimum wage remains for all other goods and services.
Solid cooking oil recorded the highest price increase among essential goods at 431%, followed by liquid cooking oil at 354%, eggs at 343%, and chicken at 287%.
According to estimates by Iran’s Ministry of Cooperatives, Labour and Social Welfare, the monthly cost of purchasing the basket of 11 essential goods for a family of four reached 212.12 million rials (approximately $118) in May this year.
On the other hand, the total monthly income of the head of a four-person household, based on the decision of the Supreme Labor Council, stands at 256.47 million rials (approximately $143). As a result, even when food vouchers are included, more than two-thirds of household income is spent on food.
According to the Statistical Center of Iran, inflation for six commonly consumed food items among urban households exceeded 200% in May.
In its report, Donya-e-Eqtesad identified the rising exchange rate, war, damage to infrastructure, maritime blockades, disruptions to foreign trade and shipping, increased costs of imported livestock and agricultural inputs, higher foreign demand for certain domestically produced goods, and protectionist restrictions as factors behind the surge in food prices.
Explaining the role of protectionist policies, the newspaper wrote that, for example, imports of certain oilseeds have been banned to support domestic farmers, making it impossible to stabilize cooking oil prices through imports. Likewise, rice imports are prohibited during the domestic harvest season in order to protect local producers.
According to the report, economists consider the primary causes of inflation to be growth in the money supply, budget deficits, and the government’s monetary and fiscal policies. They believe that sustainable inflation control will not be possible until these factors are addressed.
The continuous rise in prices has made it increasingly difficult for many households to meet their basic needs. The consequences are evident in reduced food consumption, postponed medical treatment, and the elimination of expenses such as education from daily life.
