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Scenes of people carrying large bottles of cooking oil across the Iran–Turkey border have become a striking symbol of the country’s growing economic distress. As inflation continues to rise and supplies shrink, many Iranians now travel across the border to buy cheaper essentials.
The trend highlights how war disruptions, subsidy cuts, and rising prices have reshaped daily life. For thousands of families, cross-border shopping is no longer optional—it has become an important way to cope with rising costs and shortages.
Why Are Iranians Crossing Into Turkey to Buy Cooking Oil?
At the Kapikoy land crossing between Iran and Turkey, the daily movement of shoppers has increased sharply in recent weeks. Many people arrive with empty bags and return carrying large bottles of sunflower, corn, and olive oil.
Some families buy cooking oil simply because it costs less in Turkey than in Iranian markets. Others purchase extra bottles to resell at home and earn small profits. These profits may seem small, but they help families manage rising living costs.
One woman, identified as Maryam, explained that her family changed their small trading activity due to price differences. “In Turkey, a five-litre bottle costs a little over $10. She can sell it in Iran cheaper than local shop prices and still make around $2 in profit.”
Such cross-border purchases show how everyday citizens adapt when essential goods become expensive or hard to find.
How Has Iran’s Inflation Crisis Made Basic Food Items Unaffordable?
Iran’s economy has faced severe inflation in recent years, and the situation has worsened due to conflict and sanctions. Rising prices have affected essential goods such as cooking oil, rice, poultry, and vegetables.
Many workers earn modest monthly wages, making it difficult to keep up with sudden price increases. Families report that they now spend a larger portion of their income on food, leaving less money for housing, education, or healthcare.
The wider regional conflict has also increased fuel and supply costs, which directly affect food production and transportation. Analysts warn that rising fuel prices during the war are likely to increase food costs further in the coming months.
For many households, these pressures mean cutting back on meals or choosing cheaper alternatives.
Why Has the Kapikoy Border Become a Lifeline for Iranian Shoppers?
The Kapikoy crossing near Turkey’s Van province has become one of the most important connections between Iran and the outside world. With airspace restrictions and transport disruptions caused by conflict, land crossings remain among the few reliable travel routes.
Recent reports show that many Iranians use this crossing not only for shopping but also to maintain connections with relatives and businesses abroad. Some travellers have moved forward with previously planned visits due to ongoing tensions and disruptions.
Local Turkish traders benefit from the steady flow of Iranian customers. Shops near the border stock large quantities of cooking oil and other essential items to meet rising demand.
The continued movement at Kapikoy reflects both economic necessity and regional uncertainty.
How Did Subsidy Cuts and War Lead to Cooking Oil Shortages in Iran?
Government policy changes earlier this year significantly affected food prices. Officials removed subsidies on certain imported goods to reduce national spending. While the move aimed to prevent misuse of funds, it caused immediate price increases.
At the same time, war-related disruptions damaged industrial areas and affected supply routes. Transportation delays and rising fuel costs made it harder to maintain steady supplies of essential goods.
Recent reports also indicate that disruptions in trade routes have left thousands of containers stranded, further increasing shortages and slowing deliveries of key supplies.
These combined pressures have turned cooking oil into one of the most difficult items for many households to afford.
What Impact Are Rising Food Prices Having on Daily Life in Iran?
The rising cost of food has deeply affected daily routines across the country. Many families now reduce portion sizes or avoid certain foods altogether to stretch their budgets.
Older citizens and low-income workers face the greatest challenges because their incomes remain fixed while expenses continue to rise. Some workers have also lost jobs due to factory shutdowns and economic slowdowns linked to the conflict.
Economic uncertainty has created anxiety about the future. Reports from across the region show that ongoing war damage and rising costs have disrupted daily life but also forced communities to adapt in creative ways.
For many Iranians, carrying cooking oil across the border represents more than trade—it reflects resilience in the face of economic hardship.