Iranian media report that fruit is being sold at up to four times the prices set by the government for popular fruits during the Norooz holidays.
Oranges and apples that sold for 15,000 and 16,000 rials a kilo respectively before the beginning of New Year on March 21 are now going for 60,000 and 40,000 rials.
Similar price increases are being reported for other fruits and vegetables.
The head of the Fruit and Vegetable Union says: “Since March 19, when fruit distribution at regulated prices ended, cold houses have been closed and the prices have spiked for consumers.”
The Minister of Trade and Mining blamed transportation issues as well as the closure of fruit markets due to holidays as the causes of this price hike.
In the past year, with the intensification of international sanctions on Iran and the devaluation of the national currency, the price of food and other goods has been on a sharp rise.
