Reports from media outlets in Iran indicate an unprecedented surge in stationery prices ahead of the new school year.
The state-run ILNA news agency wrote on Tuesday, September 16: “The high cost of stationery, the rise in uniform prices, and mandatory payments during registration have caused complaints from students’ parents.”
The agency quoted parents of students saying: “The increase in stationery prices is so severe that purchasing basic school supplies is no longer easily possible.”
A mother of a student in West Azerbaijan province told the agency: “Last year, with 10 million rials (about $10), we could buy a bag, notebooks, and stationery, but this year, even with 20 million rials (about $20), I cannot meet all my child’s needs.”
The state-run Moj News Agency also reported: “Even stationery purchases have become installment-based.”
Meanwhile, the rising cost of school uniforms has added to parents’ difficulties. According to ILNA, the price of one uniform now exceeds 10 million rials.
The state-run website “Neshane Tejarat” also pointed out the surge in stationery prices, reporting that on average, stationery costs this year have risen by about 30% compared to September last year.
The state-run Tasnim news agency, quoting Mohammadreza Etesami, head of the Book and Stationery Sellers’ Union in Isfahan, reported a 35% increase in the price of imported stationery and a 10% rise in domestic products.
Fars News Agency, affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), wrote in a report that middle- and low-income families are facing serious challenges in providing for their children’s needs.
Referring to the rising prices of bags and shoes, the agency added: “This has forced some families to resort to buying cheaper or even second-hand items.”
According to the state-run Mehr News Agency, these conditions have left stationery sellers dissatisfied with the current situation because “the high cost of stationery and school supplies, due to low purchasing power, especially among workers and low-income groups, has led to stagnation. As these sellers put it, their livelihood has been destroyed.”
A father of three children in Hormozgan province told Fars News Agency: “The Ministry of Education always claims educational equality, but when families cannot afford even the most basic school needs, how is this equality achieved?”
At the same time, news agencies quoted officials of Iran’s regime promising action against profiteers. However, in recent years, the rising prices of essential goods and necessities have been accompanied by official government approval.
The rise in school transportation fees has also sparked protests among students’ parents.
In addition, numerous reports have emerged about cash payments being demanded during student registration in public schools.
This practice has also drawn protests in recent years from teacher activists and unions, who cite Article 30 of the constitution and demand free education for students.
