Title: Economic Pressures: A Four-Year Analysis of Rising Legume Prices and Wage Dynamics
A Sustained Upward Trend
Market analysis of the legume sector reveals a significant shift in pricing patterns over the last four years. Unlike previous periods where price increases averaged around 30%, the market has experienced an average price surge of 100% for various beans and lentils during this recent timeframe. This sustained inflationary pressure marks a notable departure from historical norms for these essential food items.
Official Statistics Highlight the Scale
According to official data released by the Statistical Center of Iran, the price of legumes saw an average increase of over 60% between the years 1400 and 1403 (2021-2024 in the Gregorian calendar). The specific rate of inflation varies depending on the product type and region. For instance, in the year 1402 (2023), red beans experienced a 70% price hike within a single year, while the price of lentils rose by over 50%. A stark example is pinto beans, which jumped from approximately 50,000 tomans per kilogram in 1400 (2021) to over 450,000 tomans by 1404 (2025).
Peak Inflation and the Wage Gap
The peak of this price surge was recorded in the year 1402 (2023). During this period, chickpeas abruptly rose from around 40,000 tomans to 76,000 tomans, and pinto beans doubled from 50,000 tomans to 100,000 tomans. Red beans similarly climbed from 36,000 tomans to 81,000 tomans. In that year, inflation for all legumes surpassed 100%, while workers’ wages saw only a 27% increase. This disparity continued into 1403 (2024), where the legume market experienced approximately 60% inflation against a 35% rise in workers’ wages. Cumulatively, over the four-year period, legume prices have increased by more than 300%, while workers’ wages have risen by about 150%.
A Broader Economic Context
The broader economic picture further contextualizes these market movements. Official reports from the Statistical Center indicate that the annual inflation rate for goods and services consumed by households in the first six months of the year 1404 (2025) shows the “vegetables and legumes” category, with a recorded inflation of 66%, had the highest price increases across all groups in the past year. This highlights the specific economic challenges within the essential foodstuffs sector.