Tehran, costly diapers, sign of the economic crisis

In recent months, the price has increased by 137%, from 380 thousand to 850 thousand rials. The supreme leader unleashes controversy during a meeting with government leaders. In a few hours the theme has become a popular topic on social media. Families in crisis: " Raising just one child will be an achievement in itself".

Teheran (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Baby diapers are the latest victim of the economic crisis that has hit Iran, with a surge in prices and chronic product shortages across the country. Fears about their availability have triggered a massive protest campaign on social networks, with angry citizens who point the finger at government authorities.

The issue has taken the front pages of the media in recent days, during a meeting between a delegation of the executive led by President Hassan Rouhani and the supreme leader, the Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. During the conversation it was the religious leader who mentioned the "diaper crisis", blaming "enemies" who "wanted to unleash the people against the government".

While unwittingly, Khamenei has touched a nerve uncovered in the country. In the short span of a few hours the diapers have become a popular topic on the main Iranian social networks. The majority of users intervened to express their opinion, mostly of disagreement with the authorities and the management of the crisis.

The resulting debate has triggered a mutual exchange of accusations: for the conservative wing, the fault lies with the poor management of the executive, unable to deal with the crisis; for the authorities in Tehran, the blame lies with the United States and its sanctions, exploited by unscrupulous businessmen; Those in favor of a regime change believe the fault is of the Islamic Republic in general

Last May,  Washington decided to impose new sanctions on Iran, the toughest sanctions in history , after pulling out (the JCPOA). Hence the significant decline in the Iranian economy after years of marked growth; at the expense of it, it was primarily the weakest and most vulnerable part of the population.

Among the first signs of the crisis, the vertical drop in the local currency, the rial, which lost at least two thirds of its value against the dollar. All this caused a surge in the prices of imported goods and a lack of availability on the market.

The most striking case is that of baby diapers - but the same goes for the incontinent and sanitary towels for women - which went from 380 thousand rials at the end of April (about 9 dollars) to 850 thousand at the end of August, with an increase of 137% in four months.

The  increasingly expensive cost of living does not only affect the finances of the families, but also upsets their lifestyles and plans. In fact, many of them renounce having other children because they cannot afford the expenses. Ali, a young father of Mashhad notes: “Raising just one child will be an achievement in itself ".