Iranians struggling to afford basic needs as new year approaches

Citizens across Iran told Iran International that they are struggling to afford even the most basic necessities as Nowruz (Norouz), the new Iranian year, approaches on March 20.

Many described empty markets, fading Norouz shopping traditions, and the daily struggle to cope with soaring prices and dwindling purchasing power.

A hypermarket owner in Tehran remarked, "This is nothing like the Norouz seasons we used to see. People barely buy anything beyond absolute necessities. Our bestsellers now are cigarettes and large bottles of soda, while even basic cleaning products for Norouz housecleaning sit untouched on the shelves."

Iran’s economic crisis has worsened across all sectors. The rial has hit a historic low, with US dollar being exchanged at 940,000 rials. Inflation continues to climb, making everyday goods unaffordable amid misgovernance and Donald Trump’s “maximum pressure” policy to intensify sanctions.

A government employee told Iran International, "A decent women’s suit costs at least 150 to 180 million rials ($159–$191). My salary is 102 million rials ($109), and 70 million ($74) of that goes to rent. How can I buy new clothes when I can barely afford food?"

Over the past five years, tens of millions of Iranians have seen their living standards erode as wages fail to keep pace with soaring inflation. Today, the average worker earns roughly $120 per month, while official estimates suggest that a minimum of $500 is needed for the basic survival of a family of three.

An employee at a clothing store in Tehran’s northern Mirdamad district said, "Customers used to rush in to buy new clothes for Norouz. Now, people walk in, check the prices, and leave empty-handed. It’s an economic catastrophe."

The Hamshahri newspaper, affiliated with Tehran Municipality, reported that vendors who once relied on strong year-end sales to compensate for slow months are now struggling, as even slightly higher-quality items exceed ten million rials ($10.60)—far beyond what most families can afford.

A pensioner said, "I receive 90 million rials ($96) a month, and everything is expensive. A kilo of beef costs 990,000 rials ($10.50), cooking oil is 5,700,000 rials ($6.10), and even a simple loaf of bread is 200,000 rials (21 cents). Fruits are a luxury now—kiwis are 1,500,000 rials ($1.60) per kilo, low quality oranges are 350,000 rials (37 cents), and the cheapest apples are 460,000 rials (49 cents). I even have to buy rice on an installment plan."

Furniture has also become unaffordable. Hamshahri wrote in its report, "If someone wants a decent-quality sofa set, they need at least 700 million to one billion rials ($745–$1,060). Even the low-quality sets, which barely last a year or two, cost between 200 to 300 million rials ($213–$319)."

A shopkeeper added, "People are collapsing under poverty, yet the Islamic Republic does nothing to ease their suffering. The streets are full of window-shoppers who can’t afford anything, and business owners are struggling with rising utility bills."

Iran International, in a recent report analyzing data from Iran’s Statistics Center warned that official figures—26.6% for food inflation and 32% overall—significantly understate the true rate. An analysis revealed that prices for 15 key household items surged by an average of 12% in just one month.

A survey of grocery prices in major cities, including Tehran, Mashhad, Isfahan, and Tabriz, found that household consumption costs had risen between 22% and 360% in the past week, with an average increase of 150%.