“Even the cheapest goods remain unsold”

Shahrzad News:I am sure you are aware of the massive hourly fluctuations in the value of the Iranian currency over the last few weeks, and the dire economic situation that has resulted. The US dollar and UK pound are currently valued at 4000 and 6100 tomans respectively. Trading has come to an almost complete halt, with Tehran’s main bazaar closed all day last Wednesday, along with small shops in the vicinity.

A relative who has been renovating his apartment went to a bathroom store for a new lavatory, but the manager refused to sell him one, as he needed to price it according to the latest US exchange rate, which was unknown to him at the time. I myself wanted to buy a mop and bucket manufactured in Iran, but was told that the price on the tag was too low, as it would cost more from the wholesalers the following day.

When the bazaar closed yesterday, poor people in southern and central parts of Tehran took to the streets, and protested by setting fire to rubbish bins, which led to clashes with police. In the city of Isfahan 38 clashes between people and money changers were reported, requiring police intervention. People across the country are very worried. They cannot understand how the president can say – as he did in his latest speech – that the currency crisis would be brought under control within 24 hours.