Iranians Struggle As The Cost Of Basic Goods Surges

Across Iran, people have taken to the streets to protest against political repression and economic hardship. The demonstrations are the largest in the country since 2009 when millions went out and demonstrated against a disputed presidential election. The current wave of unrest started in Mashhad on Thursday before spreading to 50 other cities. Initially starting as protests against the high price of basic goods, they have evolved to take aim at the entire political establishment in Iran.

The following infographic uses Iranian Central Bank data published by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty to show how the cost of basic items in Iran is surging. When October 23 to 21, 2017 is compared to the same period in 2016, vegetable prices have gone up 21.2 percent while meat has also shot up 18 percent. Basics like bread and cereals have also increased 11 percent.