The price of potatoes in the grand fruit and vegetable market of Tehran has sharply increased due to a 50% decrease in supply. In the current week (September 23 to 29, 2026), the wholesale price of each kilogram of potatoes has risen from 55,000 to 75,000 tomans to 70,000 to 85,000 tomans, indicating a 27.3% increase in the minimum price and a 13.3% increase in the premium type of this product.
Reasons for the Increase in Potato Prices
Akbar Yavari, the head of the Tehran Fruit Sellers Union, pointed to the decrease in supply as the main reason for this price increase, stating: "A large portion of the country's potatoes is grown and supplied in Hamadan province. Currently, due to favorable weather, farmers are not harvesting and have reduced the supply to a trickle." He predicted that by November, with the start of harvesting, prices would return to equilibrium.
Read more: Andy Burnham and the Need to Pay Attention to Families' Experiences in the Livelihood Crisis
This price increase occurs while Tehran province requires about 600,000 tons of potatoes daily, and the current supply has decreased to 300,000 tons. Additionally, Yavari mentioned a fourfold increase in production costs compared to last year, which itself is a factor putting pressure on prices.
Economic and Social Consequences
Considering that 5 million tons of potatoes are produced annually in the country and annual consumption, accounting for the population and per capita consumption, reaches 4.6 million tons, it is expected that with the ban on exports, prices will remain at a balanced level. However, given the current situation and rising prices, there are concerns about access to this essential product for low-income groups.
Yavari also emphasized the need for oversight in the distribution of agricultural products, stating: "The Ministry of Agriculture should carry out storage when potato prices are low and manage and distribute products during price fluctuations."
This situation will not only affect the price of potatoes but also the prices of other products. With a 30% to 35% increase in retail prices, it is likely that this trend will lead to economic and social fluctuations in the food market.
Read more: Job Changes and the Need for Employer Flexibility in the Age of Artificial Intelligence · Negative Effects of Plastic Pollution on Seychelles' Shores and Its Economic Resources
