Red meat prices in Tehran’s market have risen significantly, with some items reaching unprecedented rates. According to the state-run news agency Eghtesad Online, the price of boneless lamb loin in Tehran stores has reached 10 million rials (approximately $11) per kilogram. Additionally, lamb fillet, priced at 18 million rials (approximately $19.5), has set a record as the most expensive cut of red meat.
Meanwhile, veal is also considered an expensive item, priced at 9.2 million rials (approximately $10) per kilogram. This is while online stores list prices significantly higher than those announced by the Sheep Meat Union.
Red Meat Consumption In Iran Has Fallen Below 600,000 Tons Per Year
The recent increase in red meat prices has caused considerable concern among consumers. Economic experts cite supply shortages, rising livestock farming costs, and currency market fluctuations as key reasons behind this surge.
Previous reports indicate that red meat prices in Iran have been on the rise in recent years. In February 2024, data from Iran’s Statistical Center showed that red meat had the highest inflation rate among the country’s ten essential food items, with a 93% price increase.
Additionally, in November 2023, the head of the Sheep Meat Union stated that livestock shortages were the main cause of the price hikes.
The continuous rise in red meat prices has led to a decline in its consumption among Iranian households. This drop in consumption could have negative consequences for public health.
In recent months, the food basket has experienced a new inflation rate of at least 30%, and in recent days, a 25% increase in intercity bus ticket prices has been approved.
According to these statistics, one-third of food items saw a price increase of 30% to 50% over the past year, while one-fourth experienced price hikes exceeding 50%.
Reports of a Sharp Increase in Rice Prices in Iran
Following the increase in the price of Iranian rice to 2 million rials (approximately $2.2) per kilogram or even higher, the Tehran Agricultural Jihad Organization announced the distribution of rice at lower prices to “regulate the market.”
In this regard, the state-run newspaper Tejarat News reported on Saturday, February 15, that the rice market in Iran “has experienced severe price fluctuations in recent days, with prices in some cases exceeding 2 million rials per kilogram.”
Decline in Rice Production and Rising Prices in Iran Amid Inflation Growth and Public Protests
Last week, the Minister of Agriculture, on the sidelines of a cabinet meeting, addressed the issue, stating that rice prices are “artificial.” He attributed the situation in the rice market to “hoarding.”
Mehdi Younesi, the governor of Mazandaran province, also acknowledged that the rice market in the country is in a “stormy state.”
According to Tejarat News, rice prices have increased significantly over the past four months, with statistics indicating an 83% rise in rice prices during this period. Additionally, the price of Tarom rice has risen by 44%.
In November 2024, Shahrokh Sharifi, the head of the Tehran Supermarkets and Protein Products Union, cited not only high inflation but also the rise in the exchange rate of the dollar as key factors behind the increase in the prices of essential goods.
According to the state-run Fars News Agency, Iran requires around one million tons of rice imports annually, but this year, only about 500,000 tons have been imported. Demand for rice in the domestic market increases ahead of Ramadan and the Nowruz (Persian New Year) holidays.
It is worth noting that the minimum wage for a worker with two children is approximately $120 per month.
