2025 Iranian Bakers' Protests

2025 Iranian Bakers' Protests
DateMay 2025
Location
Isfahan, Kermanshah, Mashhad, Ahvaz, Qom, Birjand, Shahin Shahr, Tehran, Rasht, Ilam
Caused byGovernment-imposed bread price controls
Delayed subsidy payments
Rising production costs (utilities and raw materials)
Decreased income
GoalsAdjustment of bread prices in accordance with rising production costs

The 2025 Iranian Bakers' Protests were a series of demonstrations that took place in May and July 2025 across multiple cities in Iran. Bakers gathered outside local government offices to protest against harsh economic conditions, delayed subsidies, soaring production costs, and the reduction of government-allocated flour quotas. Protesters also criticized systemic mismanagement of the flour distribution system and economic policies affecting the baking sector. Some demonstrators directly criticized Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei for supporting government policies and ignoring the demands of the industry.[1][2][3]

Background

Bakers across Iran face increasing operational challenges due to strict price regulations on bread, unpaid government subsidies, rising costs of water, gas, and electricity, and the inflated price of raw materials. These factors have significantly reduced profit margins for bakery owners.[4][5]

A worsening energy crisis has further affected bakery operations. Frequent and unannounced power outages prevent bakers from operating their ovens, causing large amounts of dough to spoil. Protesters also cited systemic infrastructure failure and illegal electricity theft as major issues.[1][4]

Protests

During May 2025, demonstrations were held in several cities including Qom, Mashhad, Isfahan, and others. Bakers demanded permission to raise bread prices in line with inflation and production costs.[6][7]

Bakers held signs with slogans such as:

  • "We are bakers, not slaves – hear our voice!"
  • "We serve the people, not the government"
  • "Enough with promises – our tables are empty"[1]

Key Dates and Incidents

  • 28 May (Qom): Protesters rallied against sudden increases in flour prices and insurance premiums.[8]
  • 1 June (Isfahan): Bakers protested the “Nanino” platform and subsidy payment delays outside the provincial government office.[9]
  • 4 June (Ilam): A baker threw spoiled dough in front of the governor's office after a power outage ruined his inventory. He was later arrested.[10]
  • 8 July (Rasht): Bakers protested against delays in payments from Nanino and local restrictions. Protesters warned that the strike could spread province-wide.[11]
  • 12 July (Tehran): Bakers rallied outside the Chamber of Guilds. Bread prices rose up to 52% in provinces like Qom, Gilan, Khorasan Razavi, and Hamedan.[12][13]
  • 20 July (Isfahan): A protest was held outside the Grain and Commerce Office demanding increased flour quotas and timely subsidy payments.[14]
  • 23 July (Various cities): Continued blackouts prompted widespread frustration. One baker said, \"The power went out at 6am. We had to bake with phone flashlights and push the machine by hand.\"[15]

Slogans

  • "We serve the people, not the government"[1]
  • "Enough with promises – our tables are empty"[1]
  • "We are bakers, not slaves"[16]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e "Bakers hold protest rallies in several Iranian cities". Iran International (in Persian). 17 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  2. ^ "Bakers protest in several cities over costs, subsidy delays". Persian Epoch Times. 20 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  3. ^ "Simultaneous protests by bakers in several cities in Iran". Radio Farda. 17 May 2025. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  4. ^ a b "Reasons for bakers' protests: Employers sometimes make less than 10 million tomans a month". Didban Iran. 21 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  5. ^ "Protests by bakers in several cities due to discrepancy between costs and prices". Iran International. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
  6. ^ "Bakers demand resolution to union grievances". IRNA. 17 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  7. ^ "Nationwide protest by bakers over worsening conditions". Iran Freedom. 17 May 2025. Retrieved 21 May 2025.
  8. ^ "Strikes continue in Iran; Panahi supports truckers". Radio Farda. 28 May 2025. Retrieved 29 May 2025.
  9. ^ "At least 13 protest gatherings held across Iran". HRANA. 1 June 2025. Retrieved 2 June 2025.
  10. ^ "Ilam baker arrested after dough protest". IranWire. Retrieved 5 June 2025.
  11. ^ "Rasht bakers protest Nanino delays". HRANA. 8 July 2025. Retrieved 11 July 2025.
  12. ^ "Bread prices rise overnight by 52% in Iran". Independent Persian. 12 July 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  13. ^ "Tehran bakers protest unfulfilled demands". Kanal Jadid TV. 12 July 2025. Retrieved 12 July 2025.
  14. ^ "Bakers protest economic pressure in Isfahan". Komalah. 20 July 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  15. ^ "Ongoing power and water cuts cripple bakeries". VOA Persian. 23 July 2025. Retrieved 26 July 2025.
  16. ^ "'We are bakers, not slaves': Protests spread". IranWire. Retrieved 23 May 2025.
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