The latest report from the Iranian Statistical Center shows that with the continued rise in point-to-point and monthly inflation rates in November, the lowest-income group in society has borne the greatest burden of monthly inflation.
According to the Iranian regime’s Statistical Center, the point-to-point inflation rate in November reached 32.5 percent, while the monthly inflation rate rose to 2.8 percent.
This comes as the lowest-income group in society, categorized as the “first decile” in the inflation expenditure deciles for November, experienced a monthly inflation rate of 3.77 percent, marking an increase compared to October for this segment of society.
On the other hand, the monthly inflation rate for the wealthiest group, categorized as the “tenth decile,” was 2.53 percent, reflecting a 0.5 percent decrease compared to October.
According to the regime’s Tejarat News website, the disparity in inflation rates among different deciles is due to the types of goods consumed. Studies by the Iranian Statistical Center indicate that lower-income deciles allocate a larger portion of their income to purchasing food, beverages, and tobacco.
In this context, a field report in Iran on poverty and rising prices shows that people’s lives have increasingly become “credit-based,” and the installment purchase of essential goods has even “impacted the middle class.”
According to a report published on November 17 by the state-run Ham-Mihan newspaper, “Iranians’ interest in joining credit and installment purchase platforms is growing daily,” and the issuance of microloans has “increased by 200 percent.”
The report mentions “50 million rials (approximately $71.5) in credit for food purchases,” with repayment in four installments “without the need for a guarantor or collateral.”
According to the Majlis Research Center’s statement on October 24, the poverty rate increased by 0.4 percent last year, encompassing over 30 percent of Iran’s population. It is projected that this figure will remain at a similar level this year.
Currently, the minimum monthly wage for married workers with children covered under labor laws is approximately 110 million rials (around $157). Meanwhile, estimates from labor activists, some of whom previously held positions in government-affiliated institutions, suggest that the cost of living basket has reached approximately 370 million rials (around $528.5) per month.
Farshad Momeni, an economist, has emphasized that government budget policies for the upcoming year have made the situation increasingly dangerous and worrisome.
According to the Statistical Center, in November, Sistan and Baluchestan Province recorded the lowest inflation rate, while the three provinces of Isfahan, West Azerbaijan, and Ardabil recorded the highest rates.
