Iran inflation “alarming” with basic food items a luxury for many, Iranian media says

According to Iran's state-affiliated media, the country is currently experiencing "alarming" levels of inflation, with basic food items becoming a luxury for many working-class families. The annual inflation rate, measured over the past year leading up to July, stands at a staggering 66%, as reported by the Iranian Labour News Agency (ILNA). This means that many ordinary Iranians, particularly workers and retirees earning the minimum wage, are struggling to afford even the most basic necessities of life, according to ILNA.

The price of food has more than doubled since last July, with essential items such as eggs, rice, meat, and bread becoming unaffordable for many. Basic food items have effectively transformed into luxury goods for a significant portion of the population. Faramarz Toufighi, a labor activist cited in the ILNA report, highlighted that due to the rising cost of living, many workers can only afford their living expenses for approximately eight days in a month.

Toufighi further explained that for more than 20 days of every month, workers are left with no income.

Iran's First Vice President, Mohammad Reza Aref, emphasized that improving the livelihoods of the Iranian people remains the government's top priority. However, he cautioned that the "enemy's strategy is to exploit the wave of price increases," as reported by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). The economic situation in Iran was already dire prior to the recent war, with poor economic conditions being a significant factor behind the anti-regime demonstrations that began in Tehran in 2025.