Potatoes have faced a decrease in stock and an increase in price in the market in the early days of October. Field observations show that the price of this product in fruit and vegetable markets varies from 68,000 tomans to 85,000 tomans, and in retail shops, it ranges from 110,000 to 135,000 tomans. Meanwhile, the quality of some products available in the market has also been criticized by consumers due to physical damage and signs of spoilage.
Challenges in Purchasing Potatoes for Consumers
Citizens are facing multiple problems when buying potatoes. One consumer said: "We have been facing issues finding good quality potatoes for a few days now. Either the product we find is of poor quality or its price has increased compared to the past."
Read more: New price of raw milk announced; each kilo of milk is 60,500 tomans
Another person added: "When we buy potatoes, we expect to be able to use all of them, but sometimes after washing or peeling, we realize that some parts are spoiled or not consumable." This situation has caused dissatisfaction and concern among buyers, leading to increased criticism regarding product quality.
Supply and Market Control of Potatoes
Tabibeh Safari, the head of the Tehran Fruit and Vegetable Sellers Union, explained the status of the potato market, stating that this product is supplied from the fruit and vegetable market and shopkeepers purchase it from there. She added: "Retail sellers do not have the option to buy directly from farmers or fully sort the goods, and the quality of the product they offer depends on the quality of the batch that has entered the market."
Safari also pointed out the presence of damaged products among the batches, saying: "In every shipment, there may be some healthy products and some damaged ones. The farmer also harvests their product, and during the loading, transportation, and handling process, some of the products may get damaged."
Recently, in collaboration with the Agricultural Jihad, inspections, monitoring by the Chamber of Guilds, and some central market units, the supply of potatoes for market regulation has begun. These potatoes are provided to shopkeepers at a price of about 60,000 tomans and are expected to be offered to consumers at a price of about 69,000 tomans.
The head of the Tehran Fruit and Vegetable Sellers Union commented on the shortages observed in the market, saying: "In recent days, supply had decreased, and therefore necessary measures have been taken to increase supply."
Potatoes and onions have faced fluctuations in supply and price in recent years, and at various times, reduced supply, increased prices, export restrictions, or the implementation of market regulation policies have affected the status of these products. Now, while some consumers are complaining about the price increase and decline in potato quality, regulated supply can help improve the current situation.
Read more: Tenfold increase in the cost of Saudi oil exports due to war · The CEO of the Livestock Support Company announced the start of supportive chicken purchases
