Title: Iran’s Urban Food Basket: A Look at Recent Price Fluctuations
A recent report has detailed the average price changes for selected food items in urban areas across Iran for the month of Mordad (July-August). The data provides a snapshot of the dynamic consumer market, highlighting specific categories with the most significant price adjustments.
Grains and Bread Lead Increases
In the bread and cereals category, several staples saw notable price increases compared to the previous month. Macaroni led with a 5.3% rise, followed by Ash-reshteh noodles at 5.1%. First-grade imported rice also saw an increase of 4.6%.
Shifts in Meat and Poultry
The meat, poultry, and related products category showed the most substantial price hike for machine-slaughtered chicken, which increased by 5.8%. The price of rainbow trout also rose by 3.8% during this period.
Dairy and Oils: A Mixed Picture
The dairy, eggs, and oils segment presented a varied outlook. Pasteurized Iranian cheese saw the highest increase at 5.1%, with pasteurized doogh (a yogurt drink) rising by 3.8%. Solid vegetable oil and pasteurized yogurt both increased by 3.3%. In contrast, the price of eggs saw a significant decrease, falling by 4.6%.
Fruits and Nuts: Citrus Surges
Price movements were particularly pronounced in the fruit and nuts category. Orange prices surged by 17.1%, bananas increased by 8.6%, and peaches rose by 6.2%. Conversely, the price of lemons experienced a sharp decline, dropping by 15.7%.
Vegetables and Legumes: Volatility in Produce
This group exhibited some of the most extreme fluctuations. Cucumber prices rose sharply by 28.1%, mushrooms increased by 18.6%, and eggplant was up 7.9%. On the other hand, potatoes saw a price reduction of 10.3%, bell peppers decreased by 9.9%, and tomatoes fell by 6.5%.
Sugar, Beverages, and Other Foods
In the category for sugar, beverages, and other food items, mayonnaise recorded the highest price increase at 3.9%. Tomato paste followed with a 3.7% rise, and packaged foreign tea increased by 3.0%.
Source: ISNA