Food price surge deepens pressure on Iranian households

Food prices in Iran have climbed sharply over the past year, with opposition sources documenting a roughly 415% increase in solid cooking oil and a 350% rise in liquid cooking oil compared with July 2025.

Chicken and meat prices have risen about 200%, while milk is up 150%, yogurt and cheese products are up 136%, and fruit is up 110%. Iran’s Statistical Center reported July 2026 point-to-point inflation of 87.9% overall, with most major food categories rising faster than the national inflation rate.

The increases come amid currency depreciation, import restrictions, military conflict, disrupted supply chains and fuel shortages. The IMF projects Iran’s inflation rate will reach 68.9% in 2026, while government data showed provincial inflation ranging from 73.9% in Tehran Province to 112.4% in Ilam Province.

Officials have tried to respond through a committee targeting price gouging and shortages, but scarcity and high prices have continued, with residents cutting back on meat and dairy and relying more on installment purchases and second-hand goods.

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