Iran Internet Reopening Exposes 308% Food Price Surge as Support for Curbs Falls to 9%
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 27
Iran Internet Reopening Exposes 308% Food Price Surge as Support for Curbs Falls to 9%
5 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 27
Patchy internet access restored from Tuesday exposed a flood of Iranian complaints over food costs and shortages, with users describing daily shopping as unbearable after months of isolation.
Food prices have soared 308% for vegetable oil, 190% for chicken and 170% for rice; IMF data put food inflation at 140%-200% and overall inflation at 70%.
Authorities kept mobile internet largely cut and many sites restricted even after reconnecting to the global web, while intelligence officials warned online access could fuel "cognitive warfare" and street protests.
President Masoud Pezeshkian blamed US economic pressure, and the government launched a "resistance economy committee" to tackle price gouging and shortages rooted in sanctions, currency strain and subsidy cuts.
Only 9% backed continuing internet restrictions in a Wednesday survey, as activists and public figures including Toomaj Salehi said open internet access is a right, not a concession.
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