Iran to import 50,000 tons of potatoes to combat price hikes

To stabilize soaring potato prices, Iran is importing 50,000 tons of the staple vegetable, according to Iran’s deputy agricultural minister. 

The imported potatoes will be sold at a target price of about 30 US cents per kilogram, less than half of the current market prices, Akbar Fat’hi said on Wednesday.

The average income of an Iranian wage earner is about $150.

He anticipates the influx of imported and domestically stored potatoes will lead to price reductions in the coming days.

Fathi attributed the current high prices to increased exports and the off-season for domestic potato production. He also noted that further potato imports may be necessary if the market does not stabilize as expected.

The move follows recent reports of significant price increases on essential food items, with some activists saying the real inflation rate for basic necessities is far higher than official figures suggest.

Labor activist Faramarz Tofighi, speaking to ILNA, highlighted the rising cost of vegetables, including potatoes, making it difficult for workers to afford basic necessities.

He argued that the real inflation rate for essential goods is likely above 50-60%, significantly higher than official figures announced to be about 40%.

He added that many families will soon be unable to afford even red meat monthly. He also cited rising prices for bread, meat, dairy, and an 80% increase in egg prices over the past two months.