06/01/2026 (Iran Wire) - Cooking oil has become both expensive and scarce in Iran after the government implemented its policy of removing subsidized exchange rates and shifting toward a single currency rate.

The product first saw a sharp price increase and has now largely disappeared from the market.

Field reports from shops and supermarkets in several cities show that cooking oil is either unavailable on shelves or, when it does appear, is sold individually at prices up to twice the official consumer rate.

According to newly announced market prices, a 675-gram bottle of liquid cooking oil now costs around 180,000 tomans. A 4.5-kilogram container has risen to over one million tomans, while a 5-kilogram semi-solid oil is priced at roughly 1.8 million tomans.

These prices, combined with supply shortages, have sparked widespread consumer complaints.

Several citizens told local media that cooking oil has effectively been removed from their daily shopping baskets in recent days. Major chain stores are also facing empty shelves, according to market observations.

In this context, Shahrokh Sharifi, head of the Tehran Supermarket and Protein Products Union, described the oil shortage as “evident.”

He said the shift from subsidized foreign currency to the second exchange hall, along with the move toward a single exchange rate, has halted distribution and driven prices higher.

Sharifi added that new prices have now been approved and that cooking oil is expected to re-enter the market next week at the updated rates.

Market insiders say that until the new prices are officially communicated, some production and distribution companies have suspended supplies. This has led to empty shelves and the piece-by-piece sale of oil in smaller shops.

The developments come as the government has announced fresh price hikes for basic goods while promising a one million toman cash subsidy to ease the pressure on households.

Many citizens say the payment falls far short of rising costs, pointing to soaring prices and the growing absence of essential items like cooking oil.

https://iranwire.com/en/news/147357-cooking-oil-becomes-scarce-in-iran-after-subsidy-removal/