Hashemi Rice at 200,000 Tomans? A Reality Check on Market Prices
Recent reports of a significant drop in the price of premium Iranian rice have been met with skepticism in the marketplace. While some officials have claimed a dramatic decrease, on-the-ground observations reveal a far more modest adjustment in pricing.
The Official Claims vs. Market Reality
In recent days, conflicting news has circulated regarding a potential reduction in the cost of domestically produced rice. Some relevant authorities even announced a substantial price drop. However, the reality experienced by wholesalers and retailers tells a different story, indicating a considerable gap between these claims and the actual market situation.
A Marginal Adjustment, Not a Major Drop
Industry reports confirm that the wholesale price for certain varieties of Iranian rice has seen a relative decrease compared to the previous month, a trend also observed in the pulse market. However, the scale of this reduction falls far short of the figures being publicly discussed.
A shop owner provided a concrete example, stating, “Previously, we purchased a kilogram of Hashemi rice from a major supplier for 278,000 tomans. With all the talk of falling prices, we expected the new invoice to be below 250,000 tomans. Instead, the price remained virtually unchanged.”
The retailer noted that the price for lower-grade Hashemi saw a minor reduction of approximately 5,000 tomans, while other popular varieties, such as Anbarboo and Shiroudi, were sold to him at their previous prices without any change.
Consumer Expectations and Market Realities
This discrepancy has led to a gap in expectations. Due to widespread reports of a price collapse, consumers are arriving at stores anticipating that premium Hashemi rice has fallen to around 200,000 tomans per kilogram. The shop owner emphasized that the reality is starkly different, with prices remaining stable or experiencing only a very slight correction at best.
A Note on Imported Varieties
Market activists confirm that the recent price adjustments have been more pronounced for imported rice. In contrast to the stable domestic market, the cost of Indian and Pakistani rice has seen a decrease in recent weeks. Currently, top-grade Indian rice sells for approximately 65,000 tomans per kilogram in wholesale markets, while long-grain Pakistani rice is priced around 120,000 tomans, and short-grain Pakistani rice sells for about 85,000 tomans per kilogram.
