Tehran’s Minister of Agriculture, Gholamreza Nouri, has underscored the importance of sustained agricultural production, particularly by the private sector, as a key factor in ensuring the country’s food security. Speaking on recent discussions regarding the pricing and market conditions of basic goods, Nouri noted that concerns raised by members of parliament primarily focused on the affordability and availability of essential products.

According to statements made by the minister, no significant instances of price gouging have been identified in the basic goods market despite recent price increases. Instead, these rises are attributed largely to escalating production costs and the subsequent increase in final product prices. Nevertheless, he emphasized the need for vigilant oversight to deter any potential exploitation, noting that regulatory agencies, the disciplinary authority, and the Ministry of Agriculture are actively monitoring the situation.

Nouri highlighted that nearly 99 percent of the country’s agricultural output stems from private sector activity, stressing the necessity of creating economic conditions that support the profitability and sustainability of these operations. He suggested that maintaining such an environment is essential to guaranteeing the continuity of agricultural production and, by extension, the nation’s long-term food security.

The remarks came amid ongoing evaluations of market dynamics and governmental efforts to stabilize prices for basic goods. The minister indicated that more in-depth investigations would be conducted to better understand market trends and inform policy decisions aimed at controlling price fluctuations.