Title: Surging Housing Costs Spark Crisis for Workers: A Growing Economic Burden
Key Challenges in Living Expenses
Skyrocketing living costs—particularly housing—are putting unprecedented pressure on workers. Rent or mortgage payments now consume 45-60% of monthly income, leaving little for other essentials.
| Expense Category | Income Share | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Rent/Mortgage | 45-60% | Largest income portion |
| Other Basic Needs | 40-55% | Remaining salary |
Broader Economic Pressures
Beyond housing, rising prices for essentials like poultry and electricity further strain household budgets. Notably, electricity consumption dropped sharply last Friday compared to the previous year—falling by 7,901 megawatts—reflecting improved energy management during peak demand.
Progress in Oil & Energy
The Oil Minister outlined plans to end gas flaring, while the Energy Ministry reported growth in renewable power plant capacity. Additionally, 7.57 million tons of wheat (worth 155.9 trillion tomans) were purchased from farmers this year under guaranteed pricing—a boost for food security.
Slow Privatization Efforts
Despite a two-year plan to privatize state assets, only 3% of identified properties (valued at 2 trillion tomans) have been sold or exchanged—highlighting implementation hurdles.
Conclusion: With housing costs devouring incomes and economic pressures mounting, workers face a deepening crisis—one demanding urgent policy attention to stabilize living standards.
